St Peter ad Vincula

St Peter ad Vincula is a medieval parish church in Coggeshall featuring Gothic architecture with detailed stonework and ornamental ironwork from the Middle Ages. A western tower was rebuilt in the 1950s after wartime damage, and the interior holds medieval brass memorials and stone monuments from various periods.

The church originated in medieval times and shaped the religious life of the region for hundreds of years. A bombing during World War II caused major damage, but restoration work brought the building back to use by 1956.

The church has served as the spiritual center of the town for centuries and remains woven into local life. Visitors can see how the building continues to matter to the people who gather there.

The church is open to visitors during the week and allows time to explore the architectural details and interior features up close. Since it remains an active place of worship, it is best to visit outside service times or approach quietly to respect those gathered there.

The south tower door carries ornate medieval ironwork depicting astronomical symbols such as a crescent moon, midday sun, and rooster. This decoration reveals how people in medieval times connected everyday buildings to their understanding of the heavens.