St Nicholas Church

Founded in Norman times, very little remains of the original medieval building which was constructed in local sandstone rubble, with dressings of clunch, covered with rough plaster.  The modern work is local stone rubble with Caen stone dressing.  In 1826 a western tower of coursed stone was added, replacing a wooden bell-turret with shingled spire.  There are still 3 bells, all dating from the 17^th Century.

The interior of the church contains many impressive monuments, tablets and inscriptions.  Outside there is an ancient sundial and a terracotta figure overlooking a grave which is a relative of Churchill.  The lychgate is somewhat unusual nowadays; it was used to rest the coffin before taking it into the Church or churchyard.

The lych gate with coffin-rest

Augustus Welby Pugin (1803-1852) changed the face of this small church.  A convert to Catholicism, Pugin believed that Gothic was the only true Christian architecture and in 1841 published "True Principles of Pointed or Church Architecture".  His work at Alton Towers brought him to the attention of wealthy patrons and Lord Midleton commissioned him to decorate his estates in Surrey and Ireland. 

Pugin commenced work at St. Nicholas in 1844.  He departed from a pure Gothic style and set about creating a history of medieval English Church styles - the Norman chancel arch, the 'violent' Early English aisle/arcade and the decorated chancel.  His additions include the north aisle, the Mortuary Chapel, the tower arch and the chancel windows.  The use of neo-Norman style is almost unique in Pugin's work.

                                        CHURCHES HERITAGE TRUST

In 1995, local residents formed a Trust with the sole purpose of ensuring the preservation of the fabric and contents of the two churches in the area - St. Mary's at Shackleford and St. Nicholas at Peper Harow.  Both churches are of great historical and architectural interest.

The churches are a rich and living inheritance which we have a responsibility to preserve and to pass on to future generations.  They are a significant part of our historical and architectural heritage and an integral and beautiful feature of the landscape of our villages.

We believe they belong to everyone and not just the worshipping congregation.  Many who are not regular churchgoers still wish to use the churches for weddings, christenings and funerals and to attend special services at Christmas, Remembrance Day  and Easter .

It is inevitable that these buildings, over the years, will need regular maintenance and restoration.  Hence our concern and the reason for setting up the Trust.