Church to feature on Midsomer Murders

The church’s crypt was used as a key filming location for the two-hour episode called Saints and Sinners.

The plot for the programme revolves around the discovery of a saint’s bones, which are uncovered during an archaeological dig.

However the dig’s leader is then murdered, presenting detectives with a complicated investigation.

St Mary’s Church was used by the programme’s makers across three days in September, creating quite a stir in Woburn.

Parochial church council secretary Ian Wayment said: “It was quite a big affair, the production company brought about eight or nine lorries to the village hall car park.

“I understand it caused a lot of interest for the people living down that end of the village.

“Everything was very well organised and it was quite an operation.”

Ian added: “I was initially approached by one of the producers of the show as they were looking for a church that has a large crypt.

“Apparently outside of London they are quite rare.”

St Mary’s was built for William, the 8th Duke of Bedford, between 1865 and 1868.

The church’s crypt was originally constructed to serve as a mausoleum for the duke’s family but it was never used.

It has since been redesigned as a function room.

Ian said: “The crypt was transformed and it will be interesting to see how recognisable it will be.”

St Mary’s reverend Stephen Nuth added: “There is a great degree of excitement about it.

“Before they used the crypt they gave us sight of the script so we knew what to expect.

“As it will be Ash Wednesday I will be taking a sermon while the programme is on but it will be on to record!”

Wednesday night’s Midsomer Murders will not the first time St Mary’s has become the centre of attention, as last May it hosted the wedding of former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell and Red Bull F1 team boss Christian Horner.

Emma Bunton, Jennifer Saunders, Dawn French and Amanda Holden were among the guests.