| The Parish of Campton and
Chicksands (which was formed in 1985) is situated approximately 9 miles
southeast of the town of Bedford, 13 miles from Junction 13 on the M1
and 7 miles from Junction 10 on the A1.
The village of Campton is
built around the 13th century All Saints' Church and stands on
a tributary of the river Ivel. It has a number of old and
interesting buildings including The Manor house, built in
1591, and a 18th century Rectory. Robert Bloomfield (1766-1823), a poet,
renowned for his poem 'The Farmer's Boy' is buried in All Saints'
churchyard. Today, the village Consists of approximately 200
dwellings, a public house, a lower school, a village hall and a
recreation ground. It has a thriving community with many clubs and
societies.
Chicksands adjoins to the
northern edge of the village, and consists almost entirely of the
wooded Chicksands Priory estate. It was an American military base until
1995 then reopened as the British Intelligence &
Security Centre in 1997. The Priory (which was granted the Gilbertine
Order in 1150) can be visited by appointment arranged by 'The Friends
of Chicksands' (see 'Contacts'). At present some of
the ex-ministry houses are being sold to the public.
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