St Peter’s Church
A church probably stood here before the Norman Conquest, the base of the tower is believed to be early Norman , possibly Saxon, and there are there are traces of Norman arcading in the north wall of the nave.
Most of the church is 12th and 13th century, including the font; the pulpit is Jacobean.
There are many fascinating memorials both inside the church and in the churchyard, and one on the wall of the church to William Weare who wanted to be buried ‘neither in the church nor outside it’, so he was interred in the wall.
The oldest memorial in the church is to Walter Riccard who died in 1644, he was father of Sir Andrew Riccard who was born in Portesham and rose to be President of the East India and Turkey Companies and a Sheriff of the City of London . Sir Andrew’s hatchment is displayed on the north wall.
South of the church is the gravestone of a shepherd, William Parker, depicting an angel wearing a woolly jumper!
The most used word to describe the church in the visiting book nowadays is ‘peaceful.’
Today’s congregation are friendly and welcoming and enjoy meeting both newcomers and visitors to the services.
SERVICES - Normal pattern for each month
SUNDAYS:
FIRST 10.30am MORNING PRAISE
SECOND 6.30pm EVENSONG (BCP)
THIRD 9.00am HOLY COMMUNION (BCP)
FOURTH 10.30am PARISH COMMUNION
WEEKDAYS:
MONDAY MORNING 9am MORNING PRAYER
FIRST TUESDAY 9.45am HOLY COMMUNION (BCP)
Easter Services
Ash Wednesday 17th February Service - 7.00pm
Mothering Sunday 14th March Service - 10.30am - with posies for ladies in the congregation
Holy Week
Wednesday 31st March Compline 7.00pm
Good Friday 2nd April Meditation 2pm-3pm
Saturday 3rd April Vigil 8.00pm
Easter Sunday 4th
April Dawn Service at St Bartholomew’s Church, Corton
Communion Service 10.30am St Peter’s
Rogation Sunday 9th May 4.00pm service at St Bartholomew’s Church, Corton.
Voluntary walking of the bounds