St Peter's Church Paglesham, it is very fitting that the church of this scattered and sparsely populated parish should be dedicated to St. Peter, the fisherman, who was to become one of the first leaders of the Christian church [often symbolised by a ship], the faith which this building has proclaimed for nine hundred years.
The church stands in a picturesque churchyard, with Church Hall [given by Edward the Confessor to Westminster Abbey in 1065] for company at the end of the road. The Church's grey stone walls have great character and antiquity and, although quite small, it is a building of some dignity. Like all medieval churches, it is unique and has a atmosphere of its own which has been moulded by centuries of care and use.
A extract here from the splendid 1940s book by Arthur Mee on Essex.
The church has Roman bricks set in Norman walls, but most of the church was made new in the 15th century. The tower is 16th. It is remarkable that all the doors have been opening and shutting since the church was new, still on the same strap-hinges. The oldest bell first rang in the Armada year. The work of a Norman craftsman remains in the chancel, on a piscina; and there are two elaborately carved chairs of the 17th century in the sancturary.
There is always a open door here, a thing I love about most Essex Churches. A wander round the churchyard is also most interesting, resting in the north west corner is Ian Donald 1910-1987, Regius Proffessor of Midwifery Glasgow, Pioneer of Medical Ultrasound. The cache is placed just off the footpath, don't forget your scribbler and Oh! good luck to you. Well done to $tu on the ftf.
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