Here we can describe the development of the church from before 1066.  Evidence of a building constructed before this date have been found below the foot of the pillar nearest to you on your left.  Between the 1400s and 1800 much building work took place. The present pillars and South wall of the church (to your right) were constructed, as were the two transepts (i.e. extensions to the church to the left and right below the tower). The transepts gave the church its cruciform shape.  During the latter part of this period the arches supporting the tower began to sink and became so unsafe that the church had to be closed. And then in 1801 the tower collapsed. Shortly after this the chancel and transepts were demolished so that by the mid-1800s the church was partially ruined. However, in the 1890s a local benefactor  controversially undertook to restore St Peter’s by radically redesigning and reconstructing it.  He lengthened the nave by demolishing the West End and replacing it with another, widened the North side of the church, raised the roof level and rebuilt the chancel. The large Rose window at the West End was designed by this benefactor. This is the church you see today.  You can better view and read more about the Rose window at Information Point 7.

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