Later history of St Peter's Church
In the mid 18th Century the tower was declared unsafe and
demolished and a new tower at the west end of the church was
built. Other alterations were made at this time, 1758, when the
Chancel was shortened by the extension eastwards of the nave
arcades. The purpose was to enable larger congregations to hear
sermons and for this the galleries with their attractive
panelling were added to the church. Their retention despite
later restoration work designed to recover the mediaeval
appearance of the building, still leaves the strong Georgian impression
of the interior today. These 18th century alterations were made
at a time when such changes were fashionable but it is clear also
that the importance of the church and the size of its
congregation are indicated. This must have remained true in later times
for in Victorian days, when in many places galleries were removed
from church buildings, in St Peter's they were deliberately
retained to accommodate large numbers and they have proved
necessary for many services up to the present time.
In the 19th Century the most important of the changes
to the building was the work that was undertaken in 1895-6.
In this work the roof was completely renewed and the clerestory added,
the windows of which provide light to the nave, and compensate for
the loss of light from the aisle windows partly obscured by the galleries.
Also at this time the chancel arch was built.
Despite the differences of style, there is a distinct character
given to the church and an atmosphere suggestive of life and
worship carried on through the changing past to the present day.
©St Peter's PCC, A.D.2010
