Millbrook - Church of St Michael and All Angels

The 13th century church of St Michael and All Angels is on the hill iand the wooded glade near the Church is said to be the "Valley of the Shadow of Death" in the Pilgrim's Progress. The church was extensively restored in the 19th century following the collapse of the chancel roof. There is still part of the original structure remaining. Tombs of Lord and Lady Holland, who lived in Ampthill Park and Holland House, Kensington, which became one of the most famous social centres in Europe. The interior of the church is oak and whitewash, with important marble monuments and stone effigies of man and woman. A monastic cell described as the original cell of St. Albans, founded by Nigel de West, is said to have been in the village in the 13th century. Outside lawns are cut into pathways leading up the hillside under an arch of trees towards headstones with views across farmland and sheep grazing. On the west wall is a seat placed to look out across the countryside and in front of a rustic fence is a garden of lupins delphiniums and cottage flowers created by a parishioner in memory of his grandson and also of his wife died much later. A cheery open-faced man, I met by chance as he pushed