St Peter
Stourton, Wiltshire
This pleasing little medieval church is much visited, standing as it does in a key position overlooking the 18th century picturesque landscape of Stourhead, now a very popular National Trust estate.
Although fragments of Saxon stonework have been found here, the earliest documented evidence of a church on this site is from 1102, and the earliest parts of the present church date from the 1170s.
The original building here was Norman, but much of that was replaced in the early 13th century, making the church bigger.
Another rebuilding took place in the 14th century, and it was at this time that the church became so splendid, and with unusual features.
The ground at the east end of the church falls away quite steeply, a feature the 14th century buildings took advantage of by building a crypt under the new and splendid polygonal apse (itself very unusual in English churches).
The church is entered through its original 14th century oak door, still with its hinges and iron studs.
The handsome font with four supporting pillars is made of Purbeck marble and dates from about 1200. The pulpit, the front of the priests stalls and the pews in the centre of the nave are late 17th century.
The crypt was restored in 2007, and this space, with one central pier, is now a tranquil place for private prayer.
