St Peter

The adjectives used to describe this church are consistently beautiful and elegant, and so it is.

Oundle, Northamptonshire

Opening times

The church is open during daylight hours.

Address

North Street
Oundle
Northamptonshire
PE8 4AL

Whilst there is evidence of its earlier incarnation, it was founded by the Abbey of Peterborough in the 8th century, it is essentially a harmonious and light filled building of the 13th century. It stands amongst the town and school buildings, tucked away and surrounded by a wealth of Georgian tombstones. The school and the town, with its market, have developed around it.

From a distance it is more prominent, with its tall slender tower topped by a recessed needle spire. The town of Oundle, above the River Nene, is reason enough for stopping here but this church will be a highlight of your visit.

Subsequent restorations, in the early 17th century after a lightning strike, the original spire collapsed, and again by Sir GG Scott in the 19th century have enhanced its beauty.
You will also find here such treasures as a 15th century brass lectern similar to that in Urbino Cathedral, Italy, a 17th century brass chandelier, Scott’s choir stalls and a host of 13th-19th century monuments. Entering and exiting the church you pass through one of the best stone porches in the county erected by a rich merchant, Robert Wyatt, around 1485.

  • Wildlife haven

  • Spectacular stained glass

  • Magnificent memorials

  • Fascinating churchyard

  • Captivating architecture

  • Wifi

  • Ramp or level access available on request

  • Parking within 250m

  • Non-accessible toilets in church

  • Level access to the main areas

  • Level access throughout

  • Dog friendly

  • Café within 500m

  • Bus stop within 100m

  • Accessible toilets in church

  • Tuesday Club for seniors on 2nd and 4th Tuesday's in the month, 2pm to 4pm.

  • Mothers Union on 1st Tuesday in the month , 2.30pm.

  • West Porch Cafe after school club on Tuesdays in term time, 3.30pm to 6pm.

  • Thursday Holy Communion, followed by refreshments, every Thursday at 10am.

  • The Way on Thursdays in term time, 6pm to 8pm for Year 7 to Year 9.

  • Rooted on Sundays in term time, 6pm to 7.30pm for 14 to 18 yrs olds.

  • Church of England

Contact information

Other nearby churches

St Anthony

Oundle, Northamptonshire

It is not known when Oundle School was founded but it was reendowed in 1556 by William Laxton, Master of The Grocers Company and Lord Mayor of London.

St Andrew

Cotterstock, Northamptonshire

Originally a Norman church with a wide tall chancel added in 1338 when a college here was founded by John Giffard, Canon of York.

St Rumbald

Stoke Doyle, Northamptonshire

In 1722 a fine early Georgian church was erected to the design of Thomas Eayre of Kettering (1691-1757), surveyor, clock maker, and bell founder (the bells here are by him as well).