St Peter's Church
Discover the Grade II listed remains of St Peter's Church which dates back to the 12th century.
St Peter's Church was originally built to serve the parishioners of Stantonbury Village and was still in service until the end of the 19th/early 20th century. The chancel arch dates from around 1150, a third arch was added for strengthening around the 14th century, this removed to St James Church in New Bradwell after the roof of St Peters collapsed in 1956. The almost complete limestone east wall of the chancel with 14th century arch is mainly what can be seen at the site today. Since its birth, the church has seen many alterations during its history and because of this it can be hard to date all its events.
A report published in 1927 (when the building was still intact and in use) suggests that the chancel was probably an early church that had a new nave added to it during the first half of the 12th century. Some of the earliest congregations would therefore have gathered in the times of Henry II and Richard the Lionheart, if not, even earlier.
Plan of Church
The south wall of the chancel, which was unusually thick, is thought to be the oldest part of the building. Two openings pierced it; both appear to have opened into a south chapel that dates from the 12th century.
The chancel arch, once a beautiful example of Norman work, dates from around 1150 and was originally of two orders, the outer ornamented with a chevron moulding and the inner with a large roll with beak-head and grotesque ornament at intervals. A third gothic arch was added for strengthening around the 14th century. The arch was removed to St James Church, New Bradwell, after the roof of St Peters collapsed in 1956.
In the 13th century, the north wall of the chancel was rebuilt, and a north aisle was added to the nave. The west wall of the nave was rebuilt in the 15th century. The north aisle was likely completed in the 13th century and removed in the late 16th century, when the arcade was blocked and the north porch was built.
By the 1950s, the church was no longer in service. This picture was taken in 1951, shows the buildings state at this time. Unfortunately, this was the start of the buildings eventual collapse that took place in 1956.
Interactive 3D Model
Interact with the graphic to explore a 3D model of the ruins of St Peter's Church as they stand today.
St Peter's Church can be found at What3Words location marzipan.usual.juniors. Explore the ruins during a visit to Stanton Low Park. The park offers fantastic views across the valley of the River Great Ouse and is also home to the remains of Stantonbury Manor House.
Discover Milton Keynes' heritage by exploring the city's historical landmarks and scheduled ancient monuments.
