All Saints Church Ruins - Atlas Obscura

All Saints Church Ruins

Ridgmont, England

This ancient Bedfordshire church was abandoned when the village's population slowly began migrating to new towns.  

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This now derelict church was originally constructed during the 12th century. The church was expanded over the centuries, however, was never fully completed. 

In 1826, the top section of the present tower was added, replacing an old wooden bell-cote. Throughout the church, the contrasting architectural styles from across the centuries are still visible. 

As the village of Ridgmont developed along the main road, the use of the All Saints Church declined and was later replaced by a new All Saints Church located in the center of Ridgmont in 1855.

The old church became a mortuary chapel, however due to neglect, it fell into a massive state of disrepair. By 1968, the church was declared redundant under pastoral measures and was given to Bedfordshire County Council. It now stands as a historic monument. 

Know Before You Go

Visitors should be respectful while visiting the church grounds. The new church in Ridgmont does not possess a space for burials, so the graveyard of the old church has been retained for that purpose. 


The church has reached a perilous state and is now completely fenced off as an unsafe structure.

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