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The wall paintings in St Peter's church date from the 13th century and were restored in 1977 by the late E Clive Rouse. Like most medieval wall paintings, they had been covered by whitewash during the Reformation, and were only rediscovered in 1830. The photographs here have all been electronically corrected for perspective distortion.
On the north wall is this painting of the nativity, which was badly damaged by the fire in the church in 1906. The main feature still identifiable is the crib, the bowl shaped object. The head of the infant Jesus can also be made out, on the right hand side of the crib, and the head of an ox, looking on from the right. The gold coloured design below the crib was a fine cloth, and the feint images of four figures worshipping the child may also just be discerned. Fortunately, there is a photograph, taken in 1947, showing the image before it faded away, in the excellent guide available in the church.
To the left of the chancel arch is this painting of the martyrdom of St Thomas of Canterbury. Following Thomas Becket's murder in the cathedral at Canterbury in 1170, a cult quickly developed, and his murder was made the subject of many art works in churches across England, including the wall painting at St Augustine's Church, Brookland on the Romney Marsh in Kent, which contains all the same elements.
Although also damaged in the fire, the key elements of this picture can still be made out. Becket's chaplain, Edward Grimfer, has blood pouring from his wounded hand; William de Tracy inflicts a fatal wound with his sword in Becket's head; Reginald Fitzurse stands behind him, and to the left is Richard Brito. As the church guide highlights, the raised sword of the latter is much wider than his sheath, suggesting a poor repainting of the scene at some stage.
On the right of the arch is this very faded painting of St Michael weighing souls, which was a popular medieval image.
Hanging in the church is a watercolour by Miss P Wakerley, painted in 1880, of the east wall of the nave. This picture helps illuminate the fragments of the ancient paintings still seen today.
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Digital photographs
Visitors to this album since June 2003
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