The Church of St Peter and St Paul, Peasmarsh
 
 
There has been a church on this site for nearly 1,000 years and it is possible that there was once a Saxon church here.  What is certain is that there was a Norman Church, for a charter exists in which Count Henry of Eu records that his grandfather, Count Robert, gave him the church of Peasmarsh soon after the Norman Conquest.
 
The Norman Church
Of the original building dating from about 1070, there remains the West Wall of the Nave (with the high window, now blocked), the East Wall of the Nave and the Chancel Arch, and about half the Chancel. 
The Chancel Arch, in iron-sandstone, is probably the most interesting feature of the Church.  It has remained almost untouched since Norman times.
 
The Chancel
In the South Wall are the Piscina (stone basin) which dates from c.1240, the Sedilia (stone seats) and the small 'low-side' window.  At one time this was not glazed and outside there are sockets for three iron bars and the remains of a hook for a shutter.  Beyond the Piscina, in the Sanctuary is an Aumbry (a little cupboard) where the Reserved Sacrament is kept for the sick.  The altar rail, pulpit and East Window are in memory of Charles Liddell of Peasmarsh Place.
 
The Tryptych
The table of the Ten Commandments, the Creed and the Lord's Prayer over the Chancel Arch appear to be original and date from the reign of Elizabeth 1.
 
The Exterior
To the East of the Porch on the South Wall are the remains of small lancet windows of the Trans Norman period.
An iron sandstone carving, similar to those on the Chancel Arch, (a Pard?) can be seen over the Priest's Doorway.  Another creature, with antlers, (a stag?) is at the base of the South East Chancel buttress, below the netting is the drain well. High on the diagonal buttress at the North East corner of the Chancel, is a carved white stone figure of a flying bird.  In the middle of the North Wall is a blocked up Early English doorway.
 
There is more information to be found in the church.
 
Both our churches are open every day for quiet contemplation and prayer.