All Saints

The Saxon apse is worth looking at closely. Probably built in the 10th century on top of the 9th century crypt, it is seven-sided and has typical Saxon blank arcading with remains of triangular arcading above with two original round-headed windows, now blocked. From the external view the rest of the church appears to be medieval, with 14th and 15th century windows, tower and south porch. But on entering you find yourself in a large and complete Saxon church.

The three semicircular arches on each side of the nave are late Saxon or early Norman, and led to aisles, which were replaced by the present ones in the 14th century. The chancel arch is probably 9th century like the apse, but was altered at some stage. Above it is the only complete Anglo-Saxon window, a two light opening with arches of Roman bricks and a central column.

The building of the massive bell tower in the 15th century destroyed the Saxon west end. In the 15th century south porch, which is the main entrance, is the base of an 'Aylesbury' font, while inside is the 15th century font now in use. Above the nave is a remarkable 15th century timber roof, carved with angels with outstretched wings and saints and kings along the sides.

The large windows were inserted in the 15th century but at ground level there are more ancient round arched windows lighting the earlier, stone vaulted, crypt. In the south aisle are fragments of medieval stained glass.

In the north aisle stands a monument commemorating Sir Robert Dormer, who died in 1552. Whether of this date or slightly later, the monument is one of the finest of its period in the country.