St Peter's Church

The Book of Llandaff refers to the existence of a church, or monastery, on this site in about 735. The existing St. Peter's Church, now substantially rendered and whitewashed, consists of a nave with a separate chancel, a vestry, a tower to the west, and north and south porches. The oldest parts of the building, including the herring-bone masonry in the north wall of the nave, may have an Anglo Saxon origin or, alternatively, date from the 12th century. The nave seems to have been lengthened during the 13th century, perhaps when the tower and chancel were built. A small window in the southwest corner dates from the early 14th century. The exposed Old Red Sandstone walling in the chancel dates from the 14th century; the chancel has a sanctuary window on each side, a priest's door, and an ancient stone bench outside. A royal coat of arms dated 1711 is painted on a board inside the church.

The north porch and vestry were added in 1824, and the whole church was restored in 1861–62. Inside the church are five stained glass windows. 

The church is too low-lying to prevent winter floods from entering the building, and brass plates near the chancel arch record the heights of notable floods. A new balcony has been constructed at the back of the church so that perishable items can be kept above the floodline. This balcony is decorated with a beautiful oak screen. The church had a rectory, which was later known as Dixton Cottage.

References:

• Wikipedia

Address

Dixton Lane, Monmouth, United Kingdom

Details

Founded: 12th century
Category: Religious sites in United Kingdom