St Leonard
Heath and Reach, Bedfordshire
The church dates back to the mid 13th century. The north and south aisles were added to the chancel, nave and central tower in the 15th century. The south porch was added when the whole church was heavily restored in 1856-7.
The nave has 4 bays of 15th century double chamfered arches on octagonal piers with moulded caps, and a 13th centurytriple chamfered arch on more massive semi-octagonal piers to the tower, with a similar arch between the tower and the chancel. The south wall of the tower has a restored arched doorway leading to the stairs to the ringing chamber and a moulded archway to a chapel, now the vestry. The north wall of the tower has a double chamfered arch through to the Lady Chapel and original arched piscina.
Windows: The west end has a fine 3-light traceried window over a small moulded doorway with 2-centred arch and 3-light aisle windows with cusped lights and 4-centred heads. The south and north aisles have similar windows and moulded doorways. There is a 3-light window with plate tracery to the east.
Fittings include 17th century altar table with turned baluster legs, 18th century and 19th century marble memorial tablets to members of Duncombe and Barton families including one of 1721, one to Rev. John Barton 1760, to Mary Bristowe 1762, and Revd Philip Barton 1786. A handsome pair of early-mid 18th century tablets flanking the south door have curved black marble inscription panels with flanking ionic columns, entablatures with mourning putti and coats of arms, and gilded cherub heads and skulls to the bases.
Recent renovations and additions: The north and south aisle roofs, were renovated in 2008 and new lead was laid. In 2010 the church tower was repaired, and the six bells were renovated and re-hung on a new bell frame, with two new bells added. Following multiple thefts of lead from 2014 to 2016 the roof now has a covering of terne coated steel. In 2021, a refreshment area was installed in the west end of the south aisle and an extension was added to the west end to contain two toilets.