Church Of St Peter

CHARNEY BASSETT SU39SE 6/85 Church of St. Peter 21/11/66 GV I

Church. Early C12, nave lengthened early C14; north aisle early C15. Roughccast to limestone rubble with limestone ashlar dressings; stone slate roof to chancel, lead roof to nave. Chancel, nave, north aisle. Four centred arch over. Early C15 3-light east window; two late C13 two-light windows to south wall of chancel. South wall of nave has early C15 straight headed 3-light windows and one early C14 two-light widow to left of porch. South doorway of c.l120-40 has chamfered outer and inner arches, the outer arch having a cable moulded border to rapidly set carved faces with forking tongues. Gabled south porch of c.1880 has pointed arch to doorway. North aisle has 4-centred arches over early C15 three-light windows in the end walls, and one single-light window and a single doorway with chamfered architrave and old plank door in north wall. Early C15 crenellated parapet to nave and north aisle. Unusual early C17 bellcote at west end. Gabled roof shallow pitch roof to nave, lean-to roof over north aisle. Interior: C14 stained glass in borders of east window. Chancel has plain pointed piscina and an early C12 doorway in the north wall, which was blocked by the north aisle in the early C15: tympanum of doorway has carving of winged beasts gripping the figure of a man. 2-bay roof has late C19 purlins and rafters but a C14 arch-braced collar truss with butt side purlins and collar purlin. Nave has C12 circular font on octagonal base and C14 wood pulpit in Decorated style. Early C15 six-bay tie beam roof with short king-stud from tie beam to apex; moulded purlins and tie beams brattished ashlar plate. Early C15 three-bay arcade of double chamfered arches on octagonal piers to north aisle; lean to roof with chamfered purlins and beams; C17 parish chest at east end of north aisle. This small church retains some important medieval features and adjoins Charney Manor, which was built as a grange by Abingdon Abbey also owning the advowson of the church. (Buildings of England: Berkshire, pp.112-113; V.C.H.: Berkshi.e, Vol.IV, p.470).

Listing NGR: SU3809794426