St Peter & St Paul

There has been a church here since at least 1100. The early building was transformed between 1200 and 1300: aisles were added, the chancel was enlarged and after 1300 the broach spire and porch were added. Some time after 1400 the nave clerestorey (upper storey) windows were added, and, with glass becoming cheaper, all the windows were enlarged. The church was 'restored' in the 1820s (not so well) and 1870 (rather better). Pews came along in the 2oth century. In 1997 the spire, tower and porch were repointed; in 1999 a new roof was installed in the north aisle, and in 2009-2010 the stained glass was restored, with further work on tower and spire.

There are three monuments of particular interest, now located in church; a stone grave slab of Matilda Le Caus from the early 13th century; in the north aisle, two large monuments from Elizabethan times. From more modern times, there’s a 'Ypres Cross' adjacent to the choir vestry, a cross brought from Ypres and dedicated to the memory of a local officer.

There are 6 bells (largest weighs 12cwt 9lbs or 614kg) in the Norman tower, which are rung by a very active team of ringers including young people. The bells date back to the 16th century, and were recast in 1923, so we will be celebrating their 100th birthday in 2023.

The curious church clock has 63 minutes on the dial, said to be the result of a clock painter taking lunch in the pub which used to be opposite the church. The clock was installed in 1897 to celebrate Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee, so we are celebrating its 125th birthday in Queen Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee year.

The fine porch probably dates from the early 1300s, showing how wonderfully skilful the masons were at finding a simple but graceful way to support the stonework above.

In medieval times, there would have been no headstones but a churchyard cross to indicate consecrated ground. At that time, the churchyard might be used for dancing, singing and games as well as for burials. Many thousands of burials later, the ground level has risen so much that, where it meets the church, in places it is more than four feet above the floor level inside.

Many of the older headstones, dating from the 17th and 18th centuries, are beautifully carved and lettered. All face east and look their best in late morning when the sun shadows the lettering and makes it easy to read. The churchyard is now closed to new burials.

There are many nice walks including the church and the surrounding fields and valley and the nearby Linacre Reservoirs.