Church Of St. Peter And St. Paul

The Church of St. Peter and St. Paul is a parish church largely dating to the 15th century, with substantial rebuilding in 1809 and later alterations in the late 19th century. Constructed of yellow brick, coursed limestone rubble, and covered by slate roofs, it comprises a western tower, a nave, a chancel, and a vestry.

The 3-stage western tower is of 15th-century origin, featuring a plain plinth. It has a 19th-century first-floor band and a battlemented parapet. The re-cut west door has rounded reveals, octagonal capitals, a 4-centred arch, and a hood mould. Above this, a 3-light window is set, and to the belfry stage are cusped 3-light windows in all four directions, all with hollow-chamfered 4-centred arched surrounds. The nave of 1809 is built of yellow brick and has battered angles stepping in towards the west, topped by a dentillated pediment and overhanging eaves. The north wall contains a 2-light decorated-style window with a hood mould, alongside a simpler pointed-headed window. The late 19th-century vestry has a 2-light window and an east door. The chancel’s north wall is a mix of bonded limestone ashlar and lias rubble, incorporating a 19th-century 2-light window. The east end features a 3-light window mirroring the design on the north side. The south wall of the nave has two 19th-century windows with large plain impost blocks. A 19th-century ironwork screen is at the west door.

Inside, the nave is entered through early 19th-century half-glazed double doors. A north aisle is separated from the nave by two cast iron stanchions, and a plain doorway leads to the west. The 19th-century chancel arch is double-chamfered and lacks capitals and bases. King post roofs cover the nave and chancel. Fittings are primarily from the 19th century, including a font. However, the pulpit is 17th century and chalice-shaped, carved with scenes from the Life of Christ, and believed to be of Breton origin. A repositioned 15th-century corbel depicting an angel bearing a shield of arms supporting a moulded octagonal capital is set within the north wall of the chancel. The east window contains stained glass dating to 1873. Several wall plaques are present: a stone plaque to John Reeke, rector, d.1597, in the north wall of the sanctuary; an oval marble plaque to Rev. Hugh Palmer, d.1799, on the south wall of the sanctuary; a larger marble plaque to Charles Hall, d.1743, displaying an urn, putti, and scrolls, also on the north wall; and a plaque to the Cole family, from the late 18th century, in the north aisle. Painted royal arms are located at the west end of the nave, and 19th-century texts are painted on the side walls of the nave in red lettering.