History in Structure

Church of St Peter

A Grade II Listed Building in Ongar, Essex

St Peters Church Ongar by VR6Lee 2012

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The medieval parish church of St Peter became ruinous towards the end of the 18th century and was considered unsafe for use after June 1800. In 1811 a new church was built on the same foundations, the cost being met largely by subscription. In 1888 a faculty was obtained for building yet another church!. The architect's report on the existing structure stated that repair was impossible and that in any case 'not one single feature was worth preservation'. The new church was designed by Habershon and Fawckner, and £3,000 towards the cost was contributed anonymously by the Revd. W. M. Oliver, Rector of Bobbingworth.

The church is larger than those preceding it and consists of chancel, nave, north aisle, vestry, organ chamber, and combined north porch and bell tower. The external walls are of flint with Bath stone dressings. The tower has a shingled spire. The style is a 19th-century version of Early English and most of the windows are grouped lancets. The internal walls are faced with red brick, having dark brick bands and stone dressings. The capitals of the nave arcade are carved with stiff-leaved foliage. The east window has plate tracery, the stained glass being the gift of Mrs. Allen in 1888. Formerly there were two bells dated 1810; only one is now in use.

On the walls of the porch are tablets from the original church. Over the door is an inscribed brass commemorating John Green (1595) and Katherine his wife. On the east wall of the porch is a carved and painted stone tablet to Agnes wife of John Green (1626); it shows the kneeling figures of husband and wife with two sons and four daughters. Also mounted on the porch walls are two floor slabs from the chancel of the original church discovered when the present foundations were dug. They commemorate Margaret, daughter of John Neale (1625), and Hadsley Green (1699).

Uploaded by VR6Lee
on 31 March 2012

Photo ID: 40760
Building ID: 101124048
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