History in brief

St Thomas à Becket Church is Grade II* Listed,  and looks and feels medieval. It probably has late Saxon origins, and then evolved over many centuries.

Our popular Guided tours of church and tower are back again fortnightly on Saturdays at 11.30. See dates on our Visiting page.

  • No visible trace of probable late Saxon origin. Chancel perhaps the footprint of a Norman chapel.
  • Oldest feature: a blocked lancet window, Early English style (c.1180-1250), in the north aisle.
  • Reconstruction of the nave and aisle arcades in the early 1300s.
  • South aisle dated by the 14th-century piscina in the south wall.
  • Delightful stained glass windows: glorious gifts in 1867, 1885, 1888, 1897 and 1911, when almost all the windows were enlarged and replaced.

COMING SOON – A new and comprehensive history of the church, watch this space.

Thomas becket arguing with King Henry II

Thomas Becket argues with King Henry II, 12thC.
Glanvill Tractatus de Legibus et Consuetudinibus Angliae, 1187-9, British Museum, Cottonian MS Claudius Dii.