HISTORY OF ST NICHOLAS According to records the original portion of this building dates back to the 12th Century. This is supported by the fact that opposite the south door can be seen what appears to be the foundations of an old Norman Castle and the track of the moat that surrounded it. History records that William the Conqueror granted lands to his nobles usually on the understanding that whosoever was in possession of the castle should also provide a church for the villagers. Consequently, many such churches were built during the 12th Century, usually close to the castle. The dimensions of these were by command as follows: the Nave about 40ft long, the Chancel 14ft, the Chancel breadth about 15ft. A measurement which corresponded almost exactly with this church before it was altered and restored. THE FONT The font is a good example of an early 13th Century font and there is little doubt that it is the original one used in this church. STAINED GLASS WINDOWS The window in the south of the Nave depicts three of the sacraments - Baptism, Confirmation and Marriage. It also shows a burial scene. The Chancel has a modern east window of 15th Century has a modern east window of 15th Century style portraying the Crucifixion and in the north wall a window showing Christ after the resurrection. THE TOWER The tower is a 15th Century addition and until recently was covered with Roman cement. In the south west angle is a projecting stair turret. The tower arch is in two pointed chamfered orders, the inner of which has moulded capitals and the west window and those of the belfry are of two cinquefoiled lights. THE BELLS There are four bells, the first of 1883, by Taylor; the second, a pre-Reformation bell, probably by John Daniel of London, c. 1450, inscribed "Vox Augustini sonet in aure dei"; the third has the same marks, with "Sancte Thoma ora pro nobis"; and the fourth also the same marks, with "Sancta Margareta ora pro mobis". The second and third bells are on the Council for the Care of Churches schedule of bells which must be preserved. THE CHANCEL The Chancel dates from the middle of the 14th Century style; on either side of it are 14th Century image niches, in the north wall is a 14th Century tomb recess under a low cinquefoiled arch, and west of it a contemporary window of two trefoiled piscina recess under a gabled head, with two plain sedilia to the west of it, and over them a three-light window, all being part of the 14th Century work. The rest of the Chancel is modern, except the half-octagonal jambs and moulded capitals of the Chancel arch, which are original; the arch itself is new. OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST Two well known names are included in the list of Hockliffe Rectors; John Warner (1736-1800), the classical scholar and admirer of John Howard the philanthropist who was succeeded in 1772 by William Dodd the famous forger, who was handed 1777. There are several monuments to the Gilpin family, the oldest being below the east window of the Chancel, to Robert Gilpin who was Rector here at this death in 1641, and Esther Neal his wife, set up in 1740 by their son Thomas, goldsmith of London. ST NICHOLAS This church is dedicated to St Nicholas. Nicholas was the Bishop of Myra, a Mediterranean sea-port in the province of Lycia, now in Turkey not far from Rhodes. Little else for certain is known about him apart from the fact that he attended the Council of Nicea in 325. Legends, however, abound and he is patron Saint of Children and of Sailors. One story tells of his revival of three boys pickled in brine by an inn-keeper while another relates how he provided dowries for three girls and thus saved them from the streets. He died soon after Nicea. A WARM WELCOME IS EXTENDED TO EVERYONE VISITING ST NICHOLAS Hockliffe.net . Dates for your diary: In addition to the regular weekly services at 9.30 am: St Nick's Supper: 7.30pm on 3rd December at Hockliffe Grange. Tickets £10 must be booked in advance through a church warden. Live music by Roger Spalding and Jim Meager Christingle: 3pm on 4th December in church (NB there will be no morning service that day) Candlelit Carol Service: 7pm on 22nd December, with band and choir Christmas Eucharist: 11.15pm on Christmas Eve. Christmas Day: Team-wide Eucharists at All Saints, Leighton Buzzard and St. Leonard's, Heath & Reach both at 10 am. Contact Details: The vicar, Revd. Jennie Cappleman, The Vicarage, 2 Reach Lane, Heath & Reach, LU7 0AL Phone 01525 237 633 Church wardens: Julia Dickens, Hockliffe Grange; Hockliffe, LU7 9NL Phone 01525 210 210 Nerissa Walters, 37 Hydrus Drive, Leighton Buzzard LU7 8UL Phone 01525 371615 e-mail us at juliaedickens@googlemail.com St Nicholas - Church