Originally the settlement of ‘Stoches’ was probably centred round the church, dedicated to St. Peter, which has stood on a hill north west of the village since the early 12th Century
Here the buildings would be on higher ground on limestone, rather than the clay, affording better drainage and so less damp.
© ‘Cameraman’ – www.geograph (used under ‘Creative Commons Licence’) 2011
The church remains conspicuous up on the high ground, by the side of the old manor-house (now Church Farm)
The tower is 15th century, with a recessed pointed arch door.
Each side of the 12th Century nave has pointed arches on large circular pillars, of Early English design, with three clerestory windows on the south side.
The chancel arch is semi-circular. There is a piscina in the side chapel & the font is Norman.
There are 2 aisles, the south one extends the entire length of the church
The 5 bells hung in this church have an interesting history more…
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