St Peter's Church, Wallingford

St. Peter's Church is a Grade II* listed building in Wallingford featuring Neoclassical design with an octagonal belfry topped by an openwork spire and a four-bay nave built from cut stone on a flint base. The structure demonstrates characteristic proportions and detailing typical of late 18th-century ecclesiastical architecture.

The original building was destroyed during the English Civil War in 1646, after which the present structure was erected in 1773 under the direction of architect Robert Taylor. The reconstruction reflected contemporary architectural standards and marked the revival of this important local institution.

The south wall holds a memorial to Sir William Blackstone, a local scholar who helped fund the church clock and rests in a family vault beneath the building.

Access to the interior requires obtaining a key from the local tourist office, though the building remains closed during January and February. Visitors should check conditions before planning a visit to ensure they can access the interior.

The bell tower displays clock faces on three sides while deliberately leaving the north face blank, creating an unusual architectural feature. This detail was likely a practical decision by the original architect that became a defining characteristic of the structure.

Location: Wallingford

Inception: 1904

Architects: Robert Taylor

Architectural style: Neoclassical architecture

Website: http://visitchurches.org.uk/Ourchurches/Completelistofchurches/St-Peters-Church-Wallingford-Oxfordshire

GPS coordinates: 51.60070,-1.12170

Latest update: December 14, 2025 13:02