St Peter's Church - A Look at the Building
On entering the church by the South door, notice immediately ahead the round headed arch, all that remains of an arcade of normal stonework. Nearby is the Norman font of Bethersden marble surmounted by a 17th century wooden cover. On the walls surrounding the font can be seen black and gold benefaction boards dating from 1717, on which are recorded the benevolent bequests of the wealthier parishioners for the relief of the poorer citizens.
The church consists of three aisles; the centre nave, and north and south aisles.
The Nave with its rectangular piers and pointed arches dates from the 12th century. At its east end is the sanctuary which is enriched with an Easter sepulchre on the north side and a double piscina with credence shelf opposite. Early 14th century glass can be seen in the east window.
Above the sanctuary set on a beam, is a modern rood erected in 1922 in affectionate memory of William Henry Bolton, sometime Priest-in-Charge of this church, and in thanksgiving for the memory of those members of the church who died in the Great War 1914-18. Nearby are traces of a medieval staircase which would have led to the Rood Loft (no longer to be seen).
The wide north aisle is thought to have been added in the 14th century, at its East end is the Lady Chapel. Notice at the side of this chapel the low 14th century door leading to the parish room. Nearby is a brass depicting the Rev. John Lovelle, Rector c1483, of St George’s Church which was destroyed by enemy action in 1942. The window above the organ contains fragments on 15th century glass including two shields of the Ickham and Poynings families. On the wall nearby are the royal arms of Queen Anne, c1704, probably painted on a canvas of early 17th century, although restored this century.
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The South Aisle contains, on its north wall, above the sanctuary, a lancet window of c14th century which suggests that this aisle was either added or lengthened in the 15th century. At the head of this aisle is the small chapel dedicated to St John. The window, a fine example of the work of Sir Ninian Comper, was inserted in 1904 in memory of warden MacLear of St Augustine’s College, commemorating his work in effecting restoration of the church in the 1880’s