After my revisits to some local churches I thought it was time I filled in a few churches that I missed when I was visiting Oxfordshire Best Churches, turns out there were three all near one I wanted to go to the first was St Peter Wilcote that turned out not so easy to locate because I drove right past the turning to it having to double back to get there
"The Church of England parish church of Saint Peter was built in the latter part of the 12th century, and the blocked Norman south doorway is the most notable feature from this period. Its jamb shafts have cushion capitals. The earliest record of a parish priest is of one Geoffrey, who was installed between 1209 and 1219.
The chancel east wall and chancel arch were rebuilt in the 13th century. The arch is Early English and is carried on head corbels. Early in the 14th century a south chapel was built onto the nave, the north doorway was rebuilt and new windows were inserted in the north and west walls. Also in the 14th century, a small three-light east window was inserted in the chancel and the present Decorated Gothic piscina, credence table and aumbry were installed. In 1545 the church had a rood screen. There is a squint between the nave and the chancel.
By 1844 the south chapel had been removed. In that year the Oxford Architectural Society surveyed the church and recommended rebuilding it in the Decorated Gothic style. Henry Woodyer supervised a restoration in 1853 but already by 1868 it was reported that only the walls were "fit to be left up" and a new restoration was begun under the supervision of Arthur Blomfield. Both the nave and chancel were re-roofed, the porch was rebuilt, a bellcote was added to the west gable of the nave and a bell was hung. The east window of the chancel was replaced by a larger one in a 13th-century style. This was glazed and the nave west windows were re-glazed with stained glass by Heaton, Butler and Bayne of London. The church doors were replaced and new pews installed.
St Peter's is a Grade II* listed building. The parish is now part of the same Benefice as Finstock, Leafield and Ramsden.
Despite the very small size of the parish, St Peter's is an active
church within the wider Benefice with services currently taking place
every Friday (Evening Prayer) and any fifth Sunday in a calendar month
(Holy Communion)"
Forgotten tomb covered in moss
The chancel arch
Inside the chancel
Altar and east window
The altar
View down on the altar showing the mosaic at the back
The east window is quite magnificent
Looking back west through the arch
The nave from the chancel arch
Some large kneelers on one of the pews
The pews and the only shot I have of the pulpit
I did not forget to get a view from it though
Which are all dedicated to a few families
The south east corner of the chancel
This was hanging in the corner of the nave and I m wondering if it is part of the old rood screen decoration
Aumbry behind the second chair
Headstops on either side of the arch
Windows at the west end
One of the bosses
Blocked south door now with converted lamp
6 comments:
I really loved the stitched kneeler cushions, Billy. Those took such care and time on the part of someone so dedicated. Blessings to you!
1209. You have just written the name of a man who lived 800 years ago. I wonder if he ever would have imagined that would happen.
What a lovely church and wonderful photos. I do like the blocked Norman south doorway and the entrance door. Those kneelers are beautiful.
Martha Jane most churches have some very nice kneelers and I feel they are very dedicated to make them like they do
Sandi I would think he would be hoping people would pry for his soul , he would be stunned if people remembered him 800 years later
I do like seeing Norman doorways blocked or open, I think it is such a tribute to the craftsmen who made them back then that they are still here today
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