In 1897 the civil parish of Markyate (also known as Market Street) was formed in Hertfordshire out of parts of Flamstead, Caddington and the detached part of Studham. At the same time Kensworth and the whole of the remaining parts of the parish of Caddington became part of Bedfordshire.  - see Boundary Changes

Map from Hemel Hempstead Rural District Official Guide (1971)

About half a mile from Dunstable, we enter the county of Hertfordshire and proceeding along the great north-western road, in a south-eastern direction, re-enter the county of Bedford at the 30th mile stone; here is a narrow tongue of Bedfordshire, penetrating into Hertfordshire, the little village of Market Street, nearly occupies it's entire breadth. Passing through this we emerge, at its south-eastern extremity, once more into the county of Herts, not far from the 29th mile stone. At a short distance to the right of the road is BEECHWOOD PARK, the agreeable residence of Sir John Sebright, Bart. into whose family it came by marriage. Here stood originally a Benedictine Nunnery, founded in the reign of Stephen by Roger de Toni, for a prioress and ten nuns. This, in common with the other religious establishments throughout the island, bent before the powerful and despotic arm of Henry VIII at the period of the Dissolution, when its revenues were estimated, according to Speed, who differs a little from Dugdale, at the annual amount of 46l. l6s. 1d. Many curious and valuable manuscripts relating to this institution, are carefully preserved by the present lord of the manor. The manor house of BEECHWOOD, is handsome, and well contrived for comfort, as well as elegance, in its internal arrangements; the park in which it stands is richly and beautifully wooded, especially with beech; the greatest care is paid to its preservation in good order by the present proprietor.

Upon the turnpike-road, a little to the south east of Beechwood is the village of FLAMSTEAD, distant about 27 miles and a half from London. The church is a commodious structure consisting of a nave, chancel, and aisles; its western extremity is a tower with a ring of bells. Here are several monuments, mostly of a recent date; of the three remarkable ancient ones described by Weever, but one at present re mains, situated between the nave and the aisle, upon the north side of the church. Upon this monument, which is a plain altar tomb of about four feet in height, are sculptured in deme-relief two figures, one male and one female, having at their feet two dogs, of which that upon the left holds a label in his mouth, but the inscription is defaced. Over these figures is placed an angular canopy, formed with quatrefoil arches, which are richly loaded with foliage. A prolusion of foliage has been bestowed upon the capitals of the pillars of the nave, which is divided from the chancel by an elegantly carved screen of considerable height. Two stalls of considerable antiquity formed with pointed arches occupy part of the south side of the chancel, and adjoining to them is a Pisuna. The village of Flamstead is situated along the sides of the great road, but close to it upon a cross road, the river Vere washes its northern extremity; from this circumstance, according to Chauncy, its name, which was originally Verlamstedt is derived.

Topographical and Statistical Description of the County of Hertfordshire

c1807

The 19th century Sebright Almshouses in Singlets Lane, demolished in 1965.
from A New History of Flamstead

St Leonards

1902 Report of St Leonards

Beechwood Park

Flamstead in 1746

Markyate Cell

WELCH, 18th century

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