Odell, Bedfordshire

Description
Odell, a village and a parish in Bedfordshire. The village stands on the river Ouse, 1 1/2 mile ENE of Harrold, and 2 1/4 miles W by S of Sharnbrook station on the M.R.; was originally called Woodhill, now corrupted into Odell; was once a market-town, and has a post office under Bedford; money order and telegraph office, Harrold. The parish comprises 2875 acres of land and 26 of water; population of the civil parish, 388 ; of the ecclesiastical, 384. Pillow lace is made here, but not to any great extent, and rush plaiting is carried on. The manor belongs to the Alston family. Odell Castle, a seat of the Alston family, is a large and partly embattled mansion of stone, stands on an eminence commanding a fine view, has extensive and tasteful pleasure grounds, and succeeded an old seat of the Brays. The living is a rectory in the diocese of Ely; net value, £165 with residence. The church is a building of stone in the Perpendicular style, in good condition, overgrown with ivy; comprises nave, aisles, and chancel, with pinnacled tower; and contains a good old screen and some monuments of the Alstons.