Parish Church Of St Peter And St Paul

TF 0920 SOUTH STREET TF 0919 (East Side) Parish Church of 773/10/37 St Peter and St Paul

2.5.49.

GV I

2 Saxon arches discovered in 1892 to the north suggests that a church may have existed on this site from early times, but the present building was formerly the church of the Priory of Augustinian (Arrouaisian) Canons founded in 1138 by Count Baldwin FitzGilbert (Strongbow). Blank arcading to the north west of the church at its west end may be the remains of the monks' domestic quarters and traces of the kitchens survived into the late C19. When the priory was dissolved in 1540 the church was retained for the parish. The 4-bay nave arcading is the only Norman work to survive, each side being borne on massive piers with scalloped capitals. The aisles were widened in the C15. Modern alterations to the north side. A rebuilding scheme was commenced in 1200 but the twin towers projected for the west end only the south west one was completed. This tower is perpendicular with pairs of transomed 2-light bell openings. The north east pier has been strengthened. A triple lancet replaced the original perpendicular one in 1870. The south porch is C15, embattled in the decorated style. Perpendicular west doorway, aisle window to north and south and tall 3-light clerestory windows. The chancel was rebuilt in 1807. The C15 octagonal font is perpendicular with an inscription overall 8 fields. Brass chandelier of 3 tiers dated 1742. NMR Many of the gravestones and tombs in the churchyard have well-designed and executed ornament and lettering. Robert Manning (Robert de Brunne) a Sempringham monk, born in 1270, whose "Chronicle of the History of England" is one of the earliest translations from Norman French to weld together the various English dialects, spent the last 46 years of his life as a schoolmaster in Bourne Abbey.

Nos 31 to 35 (odd), Nos 32, 34, 34A, 36, Parish Church of St Peter and St Paul and the Old Grammar School form a group.

Listing NGR: TF0969219985