Church Of St Leonard

The Church of St Leonard is a parish church built in 1736 by George Dance the elder. It is a Classical-style building constructed around a brick core with extensive dressings of Portland stone. The prominent, full-height Doric portico is pedimented, and incorporates a tower above, which is divided into a clock stage, bell stage, drum, a smaller upper drum, and a short spire—all constructed of Portland stone. The church has arched windows and doorways, all within moulded architraves. A cornice and pediment, decorated with scrolled consoles, adorns the main entrance.

Inside, a groin-vaulted lobby opens into a nave characterised by round arcading resting on Doric entablatures mounted on piers. A gallery occupies the west bay, housing a handsome baroque organ case. The east bay contains good oak choir benches. The pulpit has the appearance of a 17th-century design but dates from the early to mid-18th century, and includes a contemporary staircase. There are various monuments, notably that to Elizabeth Benson (died 1710) by Francis Bird. An undercroft with groin vaulting contains old tomb chests. A later south extension has been added to the church.

The church, along with the railings to the north and the churchyard gates and railings, is designated as a group of buildings of group value.