The John Bunyan Trail (4) Shefford to Shillington

It's another damp and overcast day on the Bunyan Trail. We are on the edge the town of Shefford in Central Bedfordshire. The first place of interest as we walk in an anti-clockwise direction is the village of Campton. It is a comparatively low-lying parish The church stands at around 150 feet above sea-level. Much of the parish is within ten feet of this either way.  

Once again we pass a mill but there is nothing really to see. Something of a disappointment really as I suspect there are going to be few highlights on this particular route. Anyway, keep reading because you never know what might be hiding around the corner? Only Meppershall Airfield! There are planes too parked up on the grass runway. No sign of any life though so we continue on our way towards Shillington. The path is set to take us across some extremely muddy fields.  

There is a potential alternative, although it will be a long way round. This would involve following the edge of the field, which does look a little less muddy. However the bottom edge is parallel to a stream, so a bit risky. Nothing for it then but to 'plough' on ahead. It is also very exposed to the wind and rain, as I always say though 'It's good to be out'. The map shows some interesting earthworks once we get over the the other side of the fields. What more incentive could there be? Sadly it was less 'Earthworks' and more 'sewage works'. We have now reached Shillington, and the point at which we reached on our last walk. We are about to make the turn and head back to the starting point. 

 

I always get quite excited when there is a Norman 'Motte and Bailey' to be found.This particular one is next to the Hills Moat. The 12th-century castle motte at Meppershall was built by William de Meppershall, a royal official who held the manor as a tenant-in-chief of the crown. The castle motte is roughly 25m x 30m and is surrounded by two baileys of irregular shape. The castle was certainly in existence by the reign of King Stephen, for the King issued a royal charter during a siege of Meppershall in 1138. In the 17th century, a timber-framed manor house was built on the castle site. Today the remains of the motte and both baileys can be seen.However they are out of bounds within the grounds of the manor.

An unfortunate name

The Manor house is an impressive building , with even more impressive gardens. Listed by English Heritage as Grade II and 'of special interest' in 1966. It is right next to the Church of St Mary's Meppershall. The listing describes the building as early seventeenth century, with much of the upper part having been rebuilt after a fire in 1959. The Manor House belonged to the De Meppershall family for nearly 300 years following 1086. St Mary’s Church has served the village for about 900 years.It's all really rather pleasant. I could see myself living in the Manor. The view over the graveyard wouldn't be a problem , at least it would be quiet!

Muddy Boots again

No sooner have I valiantly cleared my boots of the worst of the thick mud, another muddy field appears. This will take us back to our starting point passing Polehanger Farm as we do so. The sun has actually made an appearance right at the end of the walk. I can't get the photo I wanted as it is directly into the sun. I take one of a marker post with the 'John Bunyan' sign on it. The first one I have taken today, it doesn't feel complete without one. 

That's about if for today then.A good walk, probably even better in the Summer when drier underfoot. In total 9.17 miles walked.