1190-1210

Romanesque (Norman) tower built in flint, quite possibly on site of earlier chapel, although there is no real evidence for this.

Image: infilled Romanesque arch at top of tower when first built, with later stage above string (brick) course.

1210-1230

Early English (Gothic) nave & chancel built, with stone (Totternhoe Clunch) arcades & narrow aisles. Same building phase as tower but in the new architectural style.

Image: early 13^th century arcade with high quality stiff leaf capitals on piers.

1223

Becomes parish church, dedicated to St Leonard.

Image: Romanesque tower arch strengthened with later infill Gothic arch.

c. 1350

Aisles re-built, wider than before, now with separate roofs. North & South porches may originally have been built.

Image: mid 14^th century window in north aisle

14^th Century

Two-storey vestry with priest’s chamber built, in flint, stone and Roman tiles. Rebuilding of parts of the nave and chancel.

Image: 14^th century vestry, now much restored

15^th Century

Early to mid 15^th century: Nave walls heightened to form clerestory, letting in more light. Extra stage and short spire added to tower. Porches rebuilt.

Image: clerestory, full height tower and Hertfordshire spike spire

16^th Century

1530s: Wall paintings dating from 1275-1450 are whitewashed over during the Reformation.

Image: part of wall painting: “the three living and three dead”

17^th Century

1664: Five of six post-restoration bells are cast on site.

Image: bell with maker’s inscription post refurbishment, 2024

c. 1660-90

Rebuilding of the South Aisle – in highly distinctive local brick.

Image: 17^th century repairs in local brick

18^th Century

1791: Nave roof “extensively and clumsily” repaired. 

Image: inscriptions left by the roof repairers

19^th Century

As a “poor agricultural parish”, the building is neglected ...

c. 1860: ... except for extensive restoration to chancel, especially the exterior, by University College, Oxford, the patrons. 

Image: 19^th century restoration of the chancel exterior

20^th Century

1909-1908: Major restoration works carried out to tower, both aisles & N. porch by Revd. Vincent Bullard. 

Image: restoration works by Revd Bullard, c. 1905

21^st Century

2016: Survey finds rot and death watch beetle in nave roof, with threat of permanent closure. On English Heritage “At Risk” register.

2020-2021: Full restoration of nave roof, S. clerestory windows, and improved drainage – managed by Flamstead Heritage and thanks to National Lottery Heritage Fund.