Church of St Peter, South Hanningfield (EHER 7680)

Early 12th century in origin. A small church that has had many phases of rebuilding, which is reflected in the eclectic mix of materials in the exterior. The chancel is medieval in origin, but was extensively rebuilt with brick in the 19th century. Belfry added about 1450. The nave was extended to the west, and probably widened to the south, at that time. Chancel partly rebuilt in 1850. Restored in 1883-4 by Chancellor. Mostly rubble, rendered in places, with coursed herringbone work in the 12th century work, and stone dressings. East and south walls of chancel partly 19th century brick. Timber porch and weatherboarded bellcot. Tiled roofs. Chancel, nave and belfry. South porch.

Monument description derived from merging EHER 7680, 7681, and 30824. Original HER entry merged with NRHE data import: St Peter's Church (CofE) [NAT]. <1> The church walls are rubble, mostly plaster-covered. The 12th century work seems to be coursed herring-bone. The dressings are limestone, the roofs tiled. The nave probably dates to the early 12th century, the chancel north wall may be contemporary but has no distinctive features. In the late 14th or early 15th century, the south porch was added but this has been largely, if not completely, rebuilt. The nave has been extended about 12ft westwards, probably in the 15th century - the timber bell- turret is contemporary. Features and fittings include: 12th, 13th, and 15th century windows; 15th century doorways; nave roof has 15th or 16th century timbers; late 14th or early 15th century two-centred archway, barge boards and timbers of the king-post roof incorporated in the south porch; late 14th or early 15th century door in south doorway; late 15th century font; 13th, 14th, and 15th century glass; remains of 15th century painting in nave. The south porch has been largely, if not completely, rebuilt. The church has been restored in 'modern' times, when the whole of the chancel south and most of its east wall were rebuilt in brick. Features and fittings include: bell said to date to 1664; floor slab of 1678; plate includes cup of 1562. RCHM1. Grade B. <2> <3> Jambs of 15th century south window have very pretty foliage scrolls. Chancel is 19th century (presumably the rebuilt parts). <4> There is some 15th century painting on the jambs of the nave window, with a foliage scroll design. <5> See also: <6> <7>