Wisbech – St. Peter and St. Paul Church

This church dates back to the twelfth century, it’s thought around 1187, although there was a Saxon religious building at the same site which it replaced. Much of the current building is from the fourteenth century when the nave was enlarged and the chancel increased in size. Concerningly, the church has found itself on the Heritage at Risk register, but, fortunately, a National Lottery Heritage Fund project development grant has been made available to help to resolve the problems.

The church tower dates from around 1525 and is separate from the main part of the building, fears of unstable ground dictated its placement.

I like irregularities in church buildings, it helps to tell the story of how the structure has changed over the centuries, with some of this relating to the rebuilding of the chancel. The complications of the church continued when there was a little incident and the original tower fell down in around 1450. The structure of the church is confusing, as the central nave is narrower than the north aisle and there are two south aisles due to the positioning of the tower.

The nave.

The chancel, looking towards the altar, this is one of the most logical parts of the building in terms of its design.

The marble pulpit, a relatively new addition which was placed here in 1904.

The font, which dates to the fourteenth century.