Medieval Fragments, Thurston
Fragments of medieval glass in the heads of one of the aisle windows.
St Peter's church stands on the eastern fringe of the sprawling village of Thurston. It is a substantially sized building but upon closer inspection it is clear that this is a mainly Victorian building, rebuilt by John Henry Hakewill following the collapse of the medieval tower and much of the nave (the rest of which collapsed a mere ten days later) in 1860. The original 15th century chancel alone survives, and its Perpendicular style and vast windows contrasts with the Decorated style so favoured by Victorian architects and used for the rebuilt nave and aisles.
The loss of so much of the medieval church lowers one's expectations on entering the church and the interior thus revealed is very much a Victorian recreation, though surprisingly successful in blending the old and new parts of the building, more sympathetic than many such endeavours have been. The atmosphere of a medieval church isn't entirely lost either as ancient features and fittings remain, some striking fragments of medieval glass have been reinstated in the south aisle and further pieces can be found in the chancel traceries (where otherwise great expanses of late 19th / early 20th century glass by Ward & Hughes abounds). There are also a few intriguing late medieval carved benches and a fine 14th century font carved with foliate designs (and two Green Men) that somehow survived the collapse of the tower and nave.
St Peter's is kept open and welcoming to visitors, as a nice gentleman reassured me on my approach to the church. Do not be put off by this being a largely rebuilt church as there are good features to enjoy.
Medieval Fragments, Thurston
Fragments of medieval glass in the heads of one of the aisle windows.
St Peter's church stands on the eastern fringe of the sprawling village of Thurston. It is a substantially sized building but upon closer inspection it is clear that this is a mainly Victorian building, rebuilt by John Henry Hakewill following the collapse of the medieval tower and much of the nave (the rest of which collapsed a mere ten days later) in 1860. The original 15th century chancel alone survives, and its Perpendicular style and vast windows contrasts with the Decorated style so favoured by Victorian architects and used for the rebuilt nave and aisles.
The loss of so much of the medieval church lowers one's expectations on entering the church and the interior thus revealed is very much a Victorian recreation, though surprisingly successful in blending the old and new parts of the building, more sympathetic than many such endeavours have been. The atmosphere of a medieval church isn't entirely lost either as ancient features and fittings remain, some striking fragments of medieval glass have been reinstated in the south aisle and further pieces can be found in the chancel traceries (where otherwise great expanses of late 19th / early 20th century glass by Ward & Hughes abounds). There are also a few intriguing late medieval carved benches and a fine 14th century font carved with foliate designs (and two Green Men) that somehow survived the collapse of the tower and nave.
St Peter's is kept open and welcoming to visitors, as a nice gentleman reassured me on my approach to the church. Do not be put off by this being a largely rebuilt church as there are good features to enjoy.