Wickham Bishops

St Peter's

The manor of Wickham Bishops was recorded as belonging to the Bishops of London in the Domesday Survey of 1086 and it is possible that this church was originally constructed as a private chapel for the use of the Bishops when staying in the manor. The church is built of a mixture of flint rubble, boulder clay, puddingstone, septaria and pillaged Roman tile and brick. It dates in the main from the 12th century and consists of just nave and chancel, the former having a 15th century south porch. There is a small western cap which is all that remains of a short broach spire that collapsed before the Friends took over the building.

Ben Finn's Stained Glass Workshop

In 1994 the Society was approached by Benjamin Finn, a local stained glass artist, who expressed a wish to use the church as a studio. This seemed an ideal way to combat vandalism and repairs were carried out to make the building weatherproof and suitable for its new use. Click here for more information on Benjamin Finn, at the the Stained Glass Museum in Ely.

Of particular interest is the way in which the windows have been reglazed in oak tracery, designed by Julian Limentani, instead of trying to replace the original stone mullions. The work carried out - largely at Mr Finn's own expense - is all reversible and preserves the character and archaeological interest of the building whilst allowing it to be given a new lease of life.

Visitor Info

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Location

Address: Wickham Bishops, Essex CM8 3LA
OS Reference: TM 825 112
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