Toddington

Toddington is a large settlement four miles north of Dunstable. It has a splendid cruciform church at one end of a large green. Toddington's former importance as a market town and centre of the straw-plait trade is reflected by the wealth of historic buildings surrounding the green. The best is the chequerbrick Old Wentworth House of about 1700 with a fine mid 18th century doorway. East of the church is the mound of a medieval motte and bailey castle known as Conger Hill. To the north-west is Toddington Manor which, although mainly 19th century in appearance, incorporates evidence of an earlier mansion where Queen Elizabeth I once stayed. The gardens are open to the public.