St Peter'S Church

The parish church of St Peter's dates primarily to the 12th century, with later additions and alterations. It comprises a nave, chancel, west tower, north and south porches (the south porch now serving as a vestry). The main fabric is of coursed flint with stone dressings, although the nave, chancel, and side walls of the porches are covered in cement render. The roofs are tiled, with modern tiles on the north slope of the nave roof.

The exceptionally fine round tower is of 12th century or earlier origin, with a restored single light west window featuring one order of colonettes and chevron moulding. Approximately halfway up the tower is a band of tall blank arches, with slit windows facing north, south, and west. Recessed 2-light bell chamber openings are present on all four sides. The tower is topped by an early 16th century red brick crenellated parapet of an octagonal shape, with a quatrefoil within a square panel at the centre of each face.

The nave is of 12th century origin with two restored 15th century windows. The north wall contains the remains of a 12th century window, with a chip-carved head above the porch roof. A simple 15th century north porch is constructed with a knapped flint facade, and features 2-light side windows. The chancel was significantly restored in 1862, with new windows inserted in a Decorated style.

The interior of the nave was widened by removing part of the original wall, with the upper walling supported by a continuous moulded corbel course. A richly ornamented neo-Norman tower arch connects the nave and tower. The nave features a good arch-braced roof, spanning four bays, with angels positioned at both the apex and foot of the wall posts. Square bosses are located at the intersection of the principals and purlins, and east-west arch-braces support the cornice. A font with a 13th century octagonal bowl of Purbeck marble (two arched blank panels on each face) and a 15th century stem carved with lions is present. A late 14th century piscina features a cusped ogee arch and traceried spandrels. Several medieval benches with poppyhead ends remain, along with modern stalls that incorporate part of the traceried head of the former rood screen. A 17th century holy table and a wooden reredos dated 1881 (extending the full width of the chancel) are also included. The arms of George II are displayed above the chancel arch, alongside two hatchments in the nave. A wall monument to the Bence family (with a long Latin inscription) is located in the north chancel, while a tablet commemorating Ann Golding (d.1794) is found on the south side of the nave. Several pieces of 19th century stained glass are visible in the chancel. The tower is the principal reason for the Grade I listing.