About the Church:
The church of St. Michael & All Angels, a Church of England church in the Diocese of St Albans. The Church can be seen long before the visitor reaches the village, it is built three hundred and sixty feet above sea level. From its towers parts of several counties can be seen, and there is an extensive view across the Vale of Bedford.
This Church building has been constructed in the Perpendicular style which consists of chancel, nave, aisles and a tower containing 2 bells. The church inside also houses the busts of Lord and Lady Holland, by Westmacott, and a fitting monument to their daughter. The church was restored back in 1857, and in 1890 was given a new roof at a grand sum of £700. The register house at the Church, dates from the year 1550. The The church at Millbrook was granted to the Abbey of St Albans for a cell before the early days of the 11th century. In the 12th century the monks left Millbrook for their newly founded Benedictine Priory Beaulieu (Beadlow) at Clophill.
The earliest identifiable feature of St Michael and All Angels is the small lancet in the south aisle, which was constructed around the time of King John. The types of two periods of perpendicular design are noticeable in the building, which is mainly of the 15th century. The low embattled tower, so perilously close to the western escarpment, is probably of the 14th century. The modern porch is by Butterfield, architect of St Alban's, Holborn, and follows the old lines. The Church was built using locally sourced sandstone and clunch, which was used in the construction. Inside, the main features are the fine canopied niche in the east bay of the north aisle, which is of perfect proportion and elaborate the 15th century decoration. In the lancet in the south aisle are the effigies of William and Mary Huett, the Tudor Knight and Dame. In the Chancel are the arms of the hero of Agincourt, Sir John Cornwall and in a window on the north side of the clerestory. And lastly, the Holland monuments executed by Sir Richard Westmacott are in the south aisle. The new alter was designed by Professor Richardson, R.A., with the figures of the Madonna and Child in the 15th century niche, were sculptured by Mr. P.G. Bentham.
It’s also said that in the 13th century the Knights Templar, and later the Knights Hospitallers, held land called Nether Temple at Millbrook. The headquarters of the Knights Templar was on the site of SolomonTemple in Jerusalem. This connection with the Holy Land may have been responsible for the fact that the cover of the spring called the "Boiling Pot" on the hillside, are exactly like the covers of the wells in Palestine. However, St Amands, Lords of the Manor of Millbrook, were great Crusaders and may have brought Palestinian designs to the village.
About the Cache:
There is a track to the Church signposted off the A507. You can drive down the track to some very limited parking at the front of the Church but I don't recommend this route unless you have a 4x4 or don't love your car very much. Limited parking is available in the village, including at the parking waypoint for the Village Hall which has some parking spaces available that may be available whilst you visit this cache.
You are looking for a larger micro (about 100ml).
In order to find the cache you need to visit the war memorial near the southern entrance to the churchyard.
Please note that the cache is not located in or on church property and you may be able to collect the required information without entering the churchyard too. if you enter the churchyard, please be respectful.
N52 02.ABC W000 31.DEF
- A = The number of men remembered from World War II
- B = The number of those remembered whose surname was Nicholson
- C = The number of Privates remembered from The Great War
- D = The number of men whose first initial is F
- E = The number in F Sharpin's rank
- F = The number of men with the rank of Sergeant
- Checksum: 26
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If you would like to add to the Church Micro series yourself then please look here
http://churchmicro.co.uk/
There is also a Church Micro Stats & Information page that can be found at
http://www.15ddv.me.uk/geo/cm/index.html
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