Early versions of the name develop into Monklene or "low-lying land of the monks" in the Hundred of Hezetre, now Hazeltree.

Ralph was to have been standard-bearer to William the Conqueror at the Battle of Hastings but gave the honour to his younger brother Robert.

Before the conquest, Aelmer and Ulfketel held it as two manors; ‘they could go where they would’ – an extra and not frequent piece of Domesday detail.

The town of Conches had its name changed from Castillon by his father Raoul ‘The Spaniard’ after his pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela and his wife's miraculous cure on the journey.

Ralph's wife, Isabel, the daughter of Simon I de Montfort, rode as a knight in north France and lived to the age of 90.

After 50 years, it was resumed by the Crown and then the Manor and Priory were granted with tithes to the Dean of the Canons of St George's Chapel, Windsor.

In 1831 the Manor was sold to a Mr Preece of Leominster; this solicitor passed it to the Bengough family of Gloucestershire in 1835, who still live in the village.

In the most recent state as the Civil Parish of Monkland and Stretford, its major boundary is the River Arrow to north and east.

The restoration of the Nave by Street involved demolishing the walls and re-building with the same stones in their former position – so that in effect it is as it was when built in the 13thC.

The first incumbent, Ralph de la Forde is listed from 1289 and his successors on the south wall of the Nave.

Sir Henry also paid for the shingled spire to be added to the tower The East window glass is the gift in 1865 of the proprietors of Hymns Ancient and Modern – Baker's colleagues on the committee – and depicts Our Lord in Glory with angels above and a very happy group of earthly singers in a garden singing from a book; on the two side windows, angels, then saints singing and herdsmen below playing a horn and a recorder.

By the time of Sir Henry Williams Baker's death in 1877 sales of Hymns Ancient and Modern had reached some 8 million and the government had even issued copies to every ship in the Royal Navy.

His obituary included "...the beautifully restored church, the excellent choir, the crowded services and the efficient school bear witness to his zeal and devotion.=" and "... His true memorial will be found in the work' Hymns Ancient and Modern."