Church Of St John

The Church of St John is an Anglican church constructed between 1758 and 1776, likely designed by William Baker or Roger Eykyn (builder). It is a well-preserved and complete example of a mid-18th century church, recognized for its group value. The church is built of ashlar with a parapeted roof and is executed in a Classical style. The rectangular plan incorporates a shallow chancel and a west steeple.

The facade features a ground floor sill band and a top modillioned cornice with a balustraded parapet. Windows are accentuated by Gibbs surrounds, with segmental heads on the ground floor and round heads on the first floor. The east facade is distinguished by a pedimented chancel with a simplified Venetian window consisting of an architrave and a triple keystone, along with two blind roundels above. Single-bay returns feature Gibbs windows, while the east side of the nave has blind round-headed windows above round-headed entrances with consoled cornices. The sill band forms imposts for the entrances. The north and south facades are six bays wide, also adorned with Gibbs windows. The western bays provide round-headed entrances with rusticated pilasters and cornices; that to the south displays a crowned monogram: E II R. The west facade features a central projection topped by a pediment, flanked by Gibbs windows. A round-headed entrance with radiating voussoirs is surrounded by an aedicule with rusticated Doric columns, Ionic entablature, and a blocking course. This entrance is fitted with a three-fielded-panel door and a fanlight with glazing bars, accompanied by a panel above.

The tower features a modillioned sill course, paired Ionic pilasters, and an entablature. Round-headed Gibbs windows are present, with urns positioned at the angles. The spire begins with a round base containing projecting clock faces, above a cornice. It continues with an octagonal stage featuring pilasters, blind round-headed windows, and a top balustrade, interspersed with bands, round lucarnes, and a weather vane.

The interior comprises a tunnel-vaulted ceiling pierced by arches. A gallery extends around three sides, supported by panelled antae on high bases, featuring a panelled front and four-bay Doric arcades. An elliptical chancel arch leads to a vaulted chancel, which has bolection-moulded panelling and an aedicule over the altarpiece, accompanied by panelled pilasters above. Notable fittings include late 19th century timber screens separating chapels at the east ends of the aisles, a mid-19th century altar rail supported by intricately wrought-iron brackets, a mid-19th century high panelled pulpit on marble shafts, and a mid-19th century basin font with similar marble shafts and colored inlay. A George III depiction of the Royal Arms is displayed on the west gallery, rendered in gilded relief. The church also houses a 17th century organ by Renatus Harris, notable for its rich openwork case. Stained glass from the mid-19th century is present, alongside some Arts and Crafts glass from the early 20th century.