Church of St Peter & St Paul, Albury

2013-06-26

An ancient Saxon church in a lovely parkland setting

This charming, ancient church, dating from Saxon and Norman times, is a flint-walled gem, set amongst the trees of beautiful Albury Park above the gently running River Tilling. It is full of contrasts and surprises. Inside, you'll find:

• a light, limewashed uncluttered interior with a stunning medieval wall painting of St Christopher sporting a curly red beard;
• interesting monuments, including a brass of John Weston who died in 1440;
• an odd but delightful 18th-century shingled cupola over the tower.

Another highlight is the South Chapel - this was remodelled by renowned Victorian architect A.W. Pugin, responsible for the interior of the Palace of Westminster.

He used his rich and colourful style here to create a dazzling mortuary chapel for Albury Park's Drummond family - this is lavishly decorated, with stained glass, painted walls and ceiling, and a magnificent tiled floor.

Visiting in the spring when the blooming snowdrops carpet the churchyard with colour is a treat.