URPoint Details
In the Domesday Book the village was mentioned as Polochessle. The village was established in 1204 by William, Bishop of Lincoln.
St James Church was dedicated in 1219 by Robert of Lismore. However, the church in 1846 after falling into ruinous condition was taken down brick by brick and carefully rebuilt. Against the north wall of the chancel is a monument to Sir William Briers, 1653, who once owned the manor at Upbury and his two wives Anne (Duckett) and Arabella (Crofts).
In 1596 Elizabeth Octe was hanged in Bedford for practicing witchcraft in the village. It is believed she put a toad in a jar of water and saying a few magical words, on a woman who gave out outwork of straw plaiting because she would not give any work top do. The straw plait woman was struck down by illness until the work was forthcoming, when she immediately recovered.
- Type:
- Landmark