Stained Glass Windows - Church of St. Peter, Church Road, Walpole St.Peter, Norfolk.
Posted by: 
greysman
N 52° 43.714 E 000° 13.373
31U E 312479 N 5845694
Known variously as the 'Queen of the Marshlands' or the 'Cathedral of the Fens' there are a few stained glass windows, this is at the east end of the chancel.
Waymark Code: WMXTZX
Location: Eastern England, United Kingdom
Date Posted: 02/27/2018
Views: 1
This is an almost complete example of a late C14th to early C15th, Late Decorated to Early Perpendicular, parish church, known variously as the 'Queen of the Marshlands' or the 'Cathedral of the Fens'. The previous church was almost completely swept away in the flood of 1337, the only part remaining of that church is the early C14th base of the west tower. The new church initially comprised the tower with a nave and chancel, north and south aisles having been built to the full length. A new chancel extending the church to the eastern limit of the consecrated land was added later. The church is built of ashlar-facing over brick and rubble with rendering over brick in the chancel and north aisle, all with lead roofs. Restored in 1898 it is now Grade I listed.
The five bay chancel has stepped buttresses externally which are angled at the east end, these having a square pinnacle over each. In each bay is a three-light arched Perpendicular window, the cills stepping up to the east end. The crenellated parapet has panelled arcading and there is a sanctus bell cote with a telescoped pinnacle at the gable head, Gothic detailing at its best, holding a small Sanctus or Sacring bell.
The church is extremely light and airy, this being due in no small part to the large Perpendicular windows, but also the lack of stained glass compared with many other churches. The east window, by Hardman & Co., c1900, is of seven-lights, also Perpendicular in style, with stained glass in memory of Rev.Philip Salisbury Bagge containing many local and regional references. There are two images of Christ, Crucified and Resurrected, in the two central lights, with twelve images of saints arranged either side. Local references are: Top left, St.Andrew. Neighbouring Walpole St.Andrew village had a stall here. Next right, St.Luke. The Rev.Philip was born on and died on St.Luke's Day, 18th October, 1817 and 1890. Top right, St.Peter. Next left, St.Philip. Bottom row far left, St.Felix who converted East Anglia to Christianity and gave his name to Felixstowe. Far right, St.Edmund patron saint of East Anglia. Next left, St.Etheldreda ( also known as St.Audrey ) patron saint of Ely, Walpole is in the diocese of Ely. At the head of the window are eight angels, panels of foliage and Christian icons.
In the chancel are two other windows, one depicting the last supper, the other Peter acknowledging Jesus to be the Christ. A further 'modern' window in the eastern light of the north aisle is a compilation of fragments of Medieval glass depicting the Annunciation. These fragments are all that is left of the glass from the north aisle windows which were full of coloured glass until the late C18th.
Words variously from British Listed Buildings, Pevsner's Norfolk Buildings, Simon Jenkins 'England's Thousand Best Churches', Brian L.Harris's Guide to Churches and Cathedrals, and the Church's Illustrated Guide, amended and added to with own on-site observations.
Co-ordinates are for the south porch.