The Parvise The Tower North Transept
Building (Exterior)
The Church is built of Totternhoe stone and we are told that it was dug from the same quarries which supplied the stone for the building of Westminster Abbey.
The cruciform plan and general dimensions date from the early 13th Century but only the central tower, South transept and South aisle preserve masonry of that date.
Church viewed from the South West.
The total length is 103 feet 2 inches, the Chancel is 36 feet 2 inches by 18 feet 2 inches, and the Nave is 21 feet 2 inches. The North transept is shorter, again by 2 inches, a measurement which remarkably recurs. Perhaps it was not planned in feet/inches.
Most impressive is the central tower, 90 feet in height and certainly the finest in Bedfordshire. The cross on the top, which is carved out of oak, has stood there since the days of Charles 1.The weather vane was added in Georgian times.
The South Porch, much weathered, dates from the 15th Century, and large iron hooks to carry heavy doors can still be seen.
The West doorway was restored in 1933, but is not now used.
Church viewed from North West
The North Porch, which is now the main entrance, was restored before the turn of the century but contains on a inner wall a 15th Century water stoup (recently restored) and there is a cinque foiled 15th Century niche for a Saint above the door.
North Transept
The Wentworth family are considered to have been the great church builders of Toddington. They held the Manor for nearly two hundred years and during that time spent a great deal of money improving the church. However it is the North Transept that has come to bear the family name. known as the Wentworth Chapel, the North Transept houses two family monuments beneath which is the family burial vault.
Parvise
On the North side of the Chancel is a small three storey building. It can be entered from both the Chancel and the Churchyard by a spiral staircase. It is known as a Parvise and was originally a Priest's apartment.