TEMPSFORD

Source unknown - probably 1974

Becalmed again now that it is by-passed, this is a delightful village, the portion west of the Great North Road (A1) is the visitors Tempsford, in that it is a big and welcome lay-by.  Station Road, just as satisfactory in character is separated as if in another world by the roaring traffic of the A1.

St Peters Church and Gannock House form a joint high point in the street.  The church strangely banded from the repairs of 1621, a detail siezed on and extended during 19th century restorations, is curious rather than attractive.  In fact , in the tower, the arbitrary junction of the original and later treatment is disconcerting.  The interior, however, is simpler and all of a piece.  Gannock House of the late 15th century is an attractive neighbour to the church, its big braces and strong detail perhaps need more foreground than is given by a village street, but it combines well with the church and churchyard trees.

Tempsford Hall consists of the original house of 1898 in rather slick Tudor and has been extended very sensitively as the headquarters of French-Kier and the ensemble sits well in a landscape of mature parkland.

Tempsford river frontage has been rather badly mauled recently where formerly the most was made of it at the Anchor hotel.  The ambience of this delightful hostelry is more that of a country rectory than a hotel at least as seen from the entrance.