St Peter

One of Duxford's two medieval parish churches, this building has been named as St Peter's since at least 1275, although it's likely that there’s been a church on the site from the 1100s. You can still see signs of those Norman origins in the square three stage tower, the wide, low arch that leads from the tower to the nave (and now houses the organ), along with the solid, square font. Medieval craftspeople also left their creative mark on the church in the form of some lively roof corbels (the figures at the tops of pillars): fierce, bearded wild men, along with a lion that bears an uncanny resemblance to the work of Wallace and Gromit creators, Aardman Animations.

The story of some Victorians is also visible. Revd Henry Carter was Rector of Duxford from 1875 to his death in 1904: you can find his portrait in the church. It was while Revd Carter was Rector that the two Duxford parishes of St John's and St Peter's were united and regular services ceased at St John's.

Under the supervision of architect Ewan Christian, St Peter's was repaired and remodelled. Along with several stained glass windows, there’s an elaborate Pre-Raphaelite inspired mosaic panel behind the altar (a reredos), full of colour and symbolism, as well as a memorial in the same style, commemorating Revd Carter and his family.