The Carlton cause originated as a secession from that at Stevington. At first Independent, it later became Baptist, and since the late years of the 19th century has been Strict Baptist.

The first Church Book of Carlton is still in the church’s possession and is in an excellent state of preservation. Some years ago my friend, the late Rev. F. W. P. Harris made a full typed transcript of it, which I have checked, and a copy of which is in the County Record Office, Bedford. The early entries are given below.

A forme of marriage

The man: I, N, take thee M, to my wedded wife, to have and to hold, from this time forward, and according to God’s word, forsaking all others, to cleave unto thee, love, honour and cherish thee, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, ---------1 and in sickness, all straights and necessities, to--------- 1 thee a husband, and to protect thee according to God’s ordinance, til death shall us part. And this I promise to thee as the Lord shall me help, in the awfull presence of the one true God, and this present congregation. Amen.

The woman: I, M, take thee N to my wedded husband, to have and to hold, from this time forward, and according to God’s word, forsaking all others, to cleave unto thee, love, honour and obey thee, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in health and in sickness, all straights and necessities, to be a meet help unto thee, according to God’s ordinance, til death shall us part. And this I promise to thee, as the Lord shall me help, in the awfull presence of the one true God, and this present congregation. Amen.

A certificate to witness marriage

This is to certifie all the world, or whomsoever it may concern, that J.G. of S., the son of R.G. in the country of B., and M.B., of H. the daughter ofJ.B. in the county aforesaid, are lawfully joyned together in holy matrymoney, receiving and giving themselves up to each other as man and wife.