Church of Saints Peter and Paul, Medieval parish church in Barnstaple, England
The Church of Saints Peter and Paul is a medieval parish church in Barnstaple featuring a lead-covered broach spire, timber-framed windows with decorative panes, and many wall monuments throughout its interior. The building displays construction from different periods, showing how it changed over centuries.
Construction began around 1150, with tower fragments dating to the late 1200s and the side aisles rebuilt in 1670. These different building phases show how the church evolved over some 500 years.
The north transept holds a large wooden chair for the mayor, decorated with heraldic animals representing local governance. This seating area shows how the mayor held an important place in the community's life.
Visitors can explore the building and see architectural features built over centuries. It helps to allow time to view the many details and monuments throughout the interior.
The Dodderidge Library was built in 1667 in the northeast corner and holds books donated by John Dodderidge's widow to Barnstaple. This library is a rare example of a church library that survives today.
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