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Clyffe Pypard - St Peter
The earliest recorded evidence of a church at Clyffe Pypard on this site dates back to the 12'th century but it is likely that the church was established before this time. However most of the current structure of the church of St Peter dates to the 15'th century, with the chancel being rebuilt in the mid 19'th century.
The high roofed nave has a 'wagon roof', originally the arches were decorated to imitate marble.
Like many other churches it was signifigantly restored in the late 19'th century.
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Clyffe Pypard - St Peter - the nave
The 15'th century nave looking East towards the 19'th chancel. Before the chancel is the 15'th century screen which is extended to enclose areas at the head of both the nort and south side of the nave. The area on the south side serving as a robing room.
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Clyffe Pypard - St Peter - nave and organ
The rather ornate early 17'th century pulpit, organ in the north enclosure of the nave and memorial from the 14'th century.
The windows on the North side contain fragements of both earlier glass and imported flemish glass.
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Clyffe Pypard - St Peter - Chancel and Sanctuary
The mid 19'th century chancel and sanctuary - reportedly built at a cost of £700 for the then vicar.
Seen from the doorway of the screen.
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Clyffe Pypard - St Peter - nave
The nave looking west from the vicinity of the screen.
Visible at the west end is the late 19'th century font.
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Clyffe Pypard - St Peter - memorial to Thomas Spackman
At the west of the South side of the nave is an outstanding memorial to Thomas Spackman (died 1786) carved by John Deval.
As the lengthy inscription informs us Thomas Spackman (a carpenter - his 'tools' are carved on the side of the memorial) was a considerable benefactor to the local community. Including making a bequest so that the local children 'be taught to read'.
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Clyffer Pypard - St Peter - Carved figure - North Side
This and the corresponding figure placed in the South Side are adjacent to and above the screen looking west across the nave.
The figures, believed to be of hard carved chalk, are thought to have originally decorated a Goddard family tomb. They are placed in the niches from which, until the early 19'th century, was suspended a roof loft or gallery.
The North figure is at the top of the stair which gave access to the gallery
