TL1998 : Memorial to Matthew Wyldebore, St John the Baptist church, Peterborough
taken 8 years ago, near to Stanground, Peterborough, England
Grade I listed
The church was originally located to the east of the Cathedral, but due to recurrent flooding was rebuilt on its present site in the early 15th century using material from the old church and from the church of Saint Thomas, of which only the chancel remains today. The new church was consecrated in 1407 by Abbot Genge.
There is a west tower which is embraced by the aisles of the nave, chancel, and north and south porches.
The tower has decorated parapets and pinnacles with polygonal buttresses. Originally, there was a spire which was removed in the 19th century. There are eight bells.
The nave is of seven bays with tall arcades. The aisles lead up to chapels north and south of the chancel.
The screen and rood date from the 20th century.
The south porch is of two storeys, with a vaulted ground floor ceiling which has carved bosses. On the top of the front of the porch is a weathered stone antelope, possibly the emblem of King Henry IV.
There is also a north porch from the late 15th century.
In the nave is a large 15th century octagonal font with quatrefoil panels.
The interior of the church was restored in the 1880s by Pearson.
There is a three manual organ by Harrison and Harrison from 1917. It is currently being restored (2016).
Most of the windows contain 19th-century stained glass.
The church was recently reordered with the removal of some rear pews to create meeting and service areas, and there is a small creche for children. The church is a popular venue for concerts and exhibitions etc.