Peterchurch - Church of St Peter

For centuries the lofty spire of the Church of St Peter (Historic Churches Trust) has been a landmark in the Golden Valley it is therefore a surprise to find that the present spire is made of fibre glass, and was put in place in 1972. The medieval stone spire had become dangerous, and most of it was taken down about 40 years ago. The church itself is a large and impressive Norman building. Instead of the usual nave and chancel, there are here four compartments in line, separated by three tall round arches, which provide a memorable vista from the west end of the nave through to the apse at the east end. The extra compartment between nave and chancel perhaps once carried a central tower. The interior is plain and austere, with none of the exuberant carved decoration in which the Normans often indulged. Here, as so often, one regrets the stripping of the plaster from the walls by Victorian restorers, exposing dark rubble walling which was never meant to be seen. One should note the original font, and the huge medieval stone altar slab, with its consecration crosses. This is a rare survival, for most stone altars were broken up at the Reformation. An interesting object of a very