Three Records of The Alien Priory of Grove And The Manor of Leighton Buzzard

Summary

Apart from its later history as practically a lay manor, very little is known of the Alien Priory of Grove which was situated at Grovebury in Leighton Buzzard. It was founded soon after the grant of the manor of ‘Leeton’ to Fontevrault in 1164. The first mention of a Prior is in 1194; he is called Prior of ‘Leeton’ until about the middle of the 13th century, after which date he is generally referred to as Prior of ‘La Grava.’

The ‘chapel of St. John de Grava’ is mentioned in the Bedford Eyre of 1227. Some of the foundations of the building were uncovered in 1920. The site, which is indicated by the field-name (Chapel Ground), and still traditionally remembered, plainly exhibits its simple oblong plan; it is close to the S.W. edge of Leighton parish boundary, which is also that of the county, and is formed by the Ousel or Lovent brook. At this point it separates the Bucks, parish of Grove or ‘La Grava’ from the priory lands. The name of the ancient Bucks, vill was perhaps used by and for the Priory merely from its proximity, but more probably was attached from early times to land on both sides of the stream alike. The same grove of woodland, which stood perhaps on both banks, must have originated the name. A nearly parallel example of early date is found further up-stream, where two ancient manors, alike called Edlesborough, lie on opposite banks in these same two counties; they appear to be named from a hill on the Beds. side. The later name of Grovebury belongs exclusively to Beds., and came into use early in the 14th century as the vernacular name of the priory ‘court’ of buildings, though later extended in use as an alternative name for the whole great manor.

It is improbable that the buildings of the earlier Royal Manor described in the first document here printed stood upon this site; although their position is quite unknown, it may not be unreasonable to infer from the mention of ‘vicina nemora’ (where the adjective would otherwise appear unnecessary) that they then stood much nearer King's and Baker's Woods in the north part of Reach, which have always formed the manor woodland.