Church Of St Michael

The Church of St Michael is a parish church largely of medieval origin, with significant additions and alterations dating from the 19th century. A pre-Conquest tower exists, along with the nave and chancel. Around 1160 to 1170, the chancel was rebuilt, and the third stage of the tower added. A vestry may have been built in the 13th century, while the chantry chapel was extended during the 14th century to form the south aisle. The tower's parapet is 15th century, and restorations occurred around 1840. Further work, including the addition of a north aisle, south porch, and organ chamber, took place between 1872 and 1875, designed by Ewan Christian.

The building is constructed of coursed squared stone, with snecked stone for the 1872 additions, and has green slate roofs. The west tower features a probably 19th-century south doorway, small round-headed windows on the south and west sides, twin bell openings on the third stage, and an embattled parapet with gargoyles. The 3-bay nave has a round-arched south doorway with zigzag and billet mouldings (moved from the north wall in 1875), with a relief of a King and Bishop above the doorway. The south aisle features restored 2- and 3-light square-headed windows, a 18th-century wall sundial, a moulded parapet, a lancet on the west return, and three stepped lancets on the east return. A gabled porch incorporates sculptural fragments. The north aisle has 3-light windows, and a tall gabled east bay. The chancel comprises a 2-bay presbytery and a taller, narrower one-bay sanctuary. A restored Priest's door and flanking 19th-century windows are on the south side, while a 10th to 11th century round-headed window is on the north. The sanctuary features 19th-century windows and a three-light east window from 1872. The chancel roof has a continuous steep pitch. A one-bay organ chamber incorporates a reused lancet, and the vestry contains a tall stack. The interior is plastered and includes a round arch for the tower and chancel, the latter with half-pier responds featuring scallop capitals. A double-chamfered, pointed 3-bay south arcade rests on octagonal piers, with a similar 19th-century north arcade on round piers. A piscina is located at the east end of the south aisle.

Notable features include a 14th-century octagonal font, a cross slab with a sword, and two worn 13th-century female effigies, all within the tower. A large slab and a wooden donation plaque commemorate John March, who died in 1590. Five hatchments, including two from the 17th century, are found around the tower arch. A wall monument commemorates George Crossyer, who died in 1669, south of the chancel arch. An early 16th-century wood pulpit has been restored, and chancel stalls incorporate some 16th-century poppyheads. Grave slabs and an armorial brass to Sir Anthony Byerley, who died in 1667, are on the north wall of the chancel. Also on this wall is a monument with naval trophies by I. Ternouth of Pimlico, dedicated to Captain William Pryce Cumby, a hero of Trafalgar, who died in 1837. A 1899 stone reredos is present, along with stained glass from Clayton and Bell (1875), Heaton, Butler and Bayne (1875), and Wailes and Strang (1908).