Hello everyone Just wondering whether anyone has ever heard of this church? I've been ploughing through some early Bedford wills lately (surname, not the place-name) and have hit a brick wall with one dated 1509 who wishes to be buried in the "church or churchyard of Saint James de Pole", but no reference anywhere in the will as to where it was written, or where the church was located. The only reference revealed by google is that there was a very influential family in earlier times called Le Pole/De La Pole, eventually dukes of Suffolk amongst other things. The website states that there was an abbey of De La Pole, and that the "3rd Earl's wife endowed the church of Ewelme [Berkshire], with its adjoining hospital and grammar school". Googling "Ewelme Church" confirms that it was built in the 1400s by the De La Poles. Was it also known as "St James"? I don't know the area well enough and desperately need to place this particular John Bedford, whose will it was. I would be very grateful for any help! Regards Frances (Bedford) Internet Security tips and offers from Tiscali - http://www.tiscali.co.uk/security _______________________________________________________________________

Just looked at the Ewelme Church web-site and this says it's dedicated to "St Mary the Virgin" I doubt very much it would have changed it's dedication so not sure its the church your looking for. For information - Ewelme is now in Oxfordshire not Berkshire. Kevin (Oxfordshire)