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 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 mid 17th century. The Will of the joiner that made them exists and we know the date that he made similar ones at Mere from the churchwardens accounts.
There is also a marble monument to Edward Seymour by the renowned sculptor Michael Rysbrack, a tower clock movement c1740 by the well known clock maker William Monk and a splendid Arts & Crafts stained glass window by Veronica Whall who when only 13 helped design a window for Gloucester Cathedral.