Edworth

The small parish of Edworth abuts on Hertfordshire on the east and on the Roman Way on the west. [Source: GENUKI]

The church of St. George is a small building of stone in the Decorated and Perpendicular styles, consisting of chancel, nave, north and south transepts, north and south porches, and an embattled western tower containing 3 bells : there are two ancient stained windows in good preservation and in the chancel is a memorial window to members of the Smyth family : the church was restored in 1876, at a cost of £800 : there are 120 sittings. The register dates from the year 1552. [Source: Kelly's Directory - Bedfordshire - 1898]

During the greater part of the 16th century the Pigotts were lords of the manor of Edworth. Today, it is a small village that you can easily miss when driving by.

John SPENCER (c1500/10) lived his entire life in the area. He married Anne MERRILL whose brother Edward MERRILL was mentioned in her Will (get got the £1 back that he loaned her, a lot of money in those days).

The "plague" hit Edworth in 1625 according to the parish register.

The church is on private property now and is probably only used for special occasions, such as local funerals, etc. A plague dedicated to John & Ann SPENCER can be found in the church (see below).

The plaque was probably to thank Anne for her generosity as noted below in the parish register.

Michael SPENCER (1530) moved his family to Stotfold about 1563. I suspect Edward MERRILL, Anne's brother, remained in Edworth but have done no research to prove it.