St. Peter & St. Paul, Uppingham
A Tour of the Church
The church is a Grade II listed building
The church is a Grade II listed building
Outside the church is faced with dressed local ironstone in wide courses. The 'Pitts' at the west end of town would be an obvious and easy source. The dominant feature is the late 14th Century tower with big angled buttresses surmounted by a tall recessed spire. Note the SW corner gargoyle is missing. The church roof was replaced in 1861 by blue slates, except over the S aisle which is leaded. The chancel and aisles have plain parapets, but the nave is battlemented.
Starting from north porch (5), turn left. Ahead are carved Swithland slate headstones, the work of generations of the Drake family, stonemasons and builders. Note the mouldings (6) above the W door. One would like to know more also about the coffin lid propped against the outside wall of the S aisle, with its carved stonemasons' emblems (7). At the right of the path leading from the S porch is a low gravestone commemorating John Beaver (d. 1632), once owner of the former White Hart Inn-
Starting from north porch (5), turn left. Ahead are carved Swithland slate headstones, the work of generations of the Drake family, stonemasons and builders. Note the mouldings (6) above the W door. One would like to know more also about the coffin lid propped against the outside wall of the S aisle, with its carved stonemasons' emblems (7). At the right of the path leading from the S porch is a low gravestone commemorating John Beaver (d. 1632), once owner of the former White Hart Inn-
"that honest man who stood up for the Common of Uppingham"
More precisely, he prevented the takeover of the The Brand pasture by the people of Lyddington.
More precisely, he prevented the takeover of the The Brand pasture by the people of Lyddington.
In contrast to the N approach, on the S the ground falls away over the churchyard to open country. In the SW corner stands the War Memorial to the 42 and 10 towns-men who died in the two World Wars. Nearly 700 pupils from the School died also. Nearby is the grave of Rev. Edward Thring 1821-87, the great reforming Victorian headmaster and second founder of Uppingham School. This part, next to South View once called Wing Field, was used in medieval times to bury victims of the plague. The lime trees shading the E-W path commemorate the School's bi-centenary and appear in subsequent church inventories of 1825 and 1831.
At the W end of the path, built into the wall of the steps leading to London Road, is a 13th Century coffin lid with floriated cross. At the other end of the path on the right is the medieval Pinfold or pound. To its left stands Archdeacon Johnson's schoolroom built in 1584 to provide free schooling for 20-40 local boys. Note the Hebrew, Greek and Latin inscriptions above the door, the languages taught at the time. This Grade I listed building is now a nursery school, but not free.
Continue by the path around the E end of the church and note the boy's name carved on a buttress (8). On the N or "evil" side of the church are graves of many of the town's dissenters prominent in the 19th Century. Outside of the N aisle is "Decorated" English Gothic in style and shows a fine frieze at eaves level.
At the W end of the path, built into the wall of the steps leading to London Road, is a 13th Century coffin lid with floriated cross. At the other end of the path on the right is the medieval Pinfold or pound. To its left stands Archdeacon Johnson's schoolroom built in 1584 to provide free schooling for 20-
Continue by the path around the E end of the church and note the boy's name carved on a buttress (8). On the N or "evil" side of the church are graves of many of the town's dissenters prominent in the 19th Century. Outside of the N aisle is "Decorated" English Gothic in style and shows a fine frieze at eaves level.
The Interior
Entering by the N door (5), the plan of the church is seen to comprise the tower, nave and chancel, flanked by N & S aisles, the former leading to the Lady Chapel and the latter terminating in the organ chamber. All inside walls, excepting the chancel, are plastered and lime washed which helps to lighten the interior, as do the restored N aisle and new S aisle clerestory windows. Even so the Victorian restoration gave a gloomy impression, happily relieved by the gilded angels supporting the chancel roof.
The N aisle has fine ball-flower and large tooth ornamentation enriching the moulding below the parapet, seen also in the head mould over the N door. To the right, the glass in the early 14th Century window (10) by Ward and Hughes (1896) is the gift of Mrs. Compton and tells the story of Dorcas. The three virtues illustrated must relate to the three ladies named - her sisters perhaps?
The screen (11) filling the late 14th Century tower arch is designed by Leslie Moor and reproduces "The Flamborough Trail", so called from its use in a medieval screen in Flamborough Church. The tower window depicts SS Catherine and Cecilia. The glass by Ward & Hughes (1904), was the gift of William Compton of Compton House and The Vaults, a long time churchwarden and generous benefactor.
The tower has a ring of eight bells. The third, sixth, seventh and tenor date from 1772 and treble and second from 1773 are by Pack and Chapman of London. The fourth from 1804 is by Robert Taylor of St. Neots and the fifth, originally by Pack & Chapman, was recast in 1895 by Taylors of Loughborough. In 1997 an Angelus bell was added. Ringing is in the hands of the Uppingham Bellringers, who take responsibility for maintenance and repairs. Until 1926 an annual dinner was given for choirmen and bellringers. The Stuart custom of ringing bells at 8 pm and 4 am (curfew) has since been discontinued. A new church clock (1898) by John Smith & Sons of Derby with "Tennyson Chimes" replaced earlier timepieces and underwent major restoration & electrification in 1964.
The tower has a ring of eight bells. The third, sixth, seventh and tenor date from 1772 and treble and second from 1773 are by Pack and Chapman of London. The fourth from 1804 is by Robert Taylor of St. Neots and the fifth, originally by Pack & Chapman, was recast in 1895 by Taylors of Loughborough. In 1997 an Angelus bell was added. Ringing is in the hands of the Uppingham Bellringers, who take responsibility for maintenance and repairs. Until 1926 an annual dinner was given for choirmen and bellringers. The Stuart custom of ringing bells at 8 pm and 4 am (curfew) has since been discontinued. A new church clock (1898) by John Smith & Sons of Derby with "Tennyson Chimes" replaced earlier timepieces and underwent major restoration & electrification in 1964.
When visiting the Church, stand a moment at the tower arch and look towards the altar. Before 1861 the nave was filled by box pews, with galleries above seating 233 adults and 64 children. The best seats were "owned" by parishioners who paid for the privilege, while the worst were occupied by boys from the School who carved their names on the arch (13) of the S arcade.
Nearby painted on the middle arches can be seen red flowers and tendrils, remnants of medieval decoration (14). Beyond, the statues of SS Peter and Paul (15), are the gift of grateful parents who worshipped here during visits for School exeats. The pews are Victorian. At the right of the chancel steps stands a heavily carved Elizabethan pulpit (16). Here Jeremy Taylor, Rector and 17th Century divine preached, until at the outbreak of the Civil War in 1642 he left to join King Charles I. His living was sequestered by Parliament, his house plundered and his wife and children cast into the street. A brass plaque to him, is set on the adjacent arch.
Nearby painted on the middle arches can be seen red flowers and tendrils, remnants of medieval decoration (14). Beyond, the statues of SS Peter and Paul (15), are the gift of grateful parents who worshipped here during visits for School exeats. The pews are Victorian. At the right of the chancel steps stands a heavily carved Elizabethan pulpit (16). Here Jeremy Taylor, Rector and 17th Century divine preached, until at the outbreak of the Civil War in 1642 he left to join King Charles I. His living was sequestered by Parliament, his house plundered and his wife and children cast into the street. A brass plaque to him, is set on the adjacent arch.
Dominating the chancel is the 1861 east window (17) with its 1892 stained glass of the Ascension by Shrigley and Hunt commemorating William Wales, Rector 1859-79 (in the cloud of cherubs, a man's face has been introduced - his identity is a mystery. If it is Wales, he is unlike any of his photographs, so perhaps it is the window's designer.)
The window is best appreciated at the 8 am Service in April and May when the risen sun shines through the glass. Below are the Victorian high altar (with heads of the patron saints Peter & Paul) and reredos of marble and Caen stone. Note also the floor tiles.The chancel is open either side to the chapel and organ chamber, separated by arcades of trefoiled arches on black marble columns. At the N side the Lady Chapel is panelled and furnished following Leslie Moore's proposals. The re-used 15th Century window holds modern glass (1955) by Peter White (18), the gift of Mrs. Evelyn Freer. The twelve medallions portray events in the life of Our Lord.
On the other side the organ has a fine 17th Century case (19). Purchased in 1777 from St. Mary's, Nottingham, it held an organ rebuilt by Thomas Schwarbrick in 1742, parts of which survive. Last restored in 1981 it now holds 1425 speaking pipes. A full description and specification is given in the Church Guide. By the steps, the print (20) of the organ in 1702, is a Victorian fake.
The window is best appreciated at the 8 am Service in April and May when the risen sun shines through the glass. Below are the Victorian high altar (with heads of the patron saints Peter & Paul) and reredos of marble and Caen stone. Note also the floor tiles.The chancel is open either side to the chapel and organ chamber, separated by arcades of trefoiled arches on black marble columns. At the N side the Lady Chapel is panelled and furnished following Leslie Moore's proposals. The re-
On the other side the organ has a fine 17th Century case (19). Purchased in 1777 from St. Mary's, Nottingham, it held an organ rebuilt by Thomas Schwarbrick in 1742, parts of which survive. Last restored in 1981 it now holds 1425 speaking pipes. A full description and specification is given in the Church Guide. By the steps, the print (20) of the organ in 1702, is a Victorian fake.
Below the organ is the old Parish Chest (21) with three locks, one key each with the Rector and the two churchwardens for security. Once it held the parish registers (1571-) and accounts (1634-) now at the Record Office in Leicester, as well as arms and uniforms for the local militia.
Stained glass windows in the S aisle are, firstly the 1909 Comper window (22) given by Cl'r. Sgt. Love for his (Southwell) wife and her sisters. The glass in the adjacent early 14th Century window (23) is by Shrigley & Hunt 1904, and portrays parallel events in the lives of Christ and Joseph. William Southwell is also commemorated. The window set in the aisle's W wall (24) by the same firm (1900) is named the "Children's Window". Its £140 cost was raised largely by Sunday School children each contributing 6d a week.
Stained glass windows in the S aisle are, firstly the 1909 Comper window (22) given by Cl'r. Sgt. Love for his (Southwell) wife and her sisters. The glass in the adjacent early 14th Century window (23) is by Shrigley & Hunt 1904, and portrays parallel events in the lives of Christ and Joseph. William Southwell is also commemorated. The window set in the aisle's W wall (24) by the same firm (1900) is named the "Children's Window". Its £140 cost was raised largely by Sunday School children each contributing 6d a week.
The 1853 font (25) (now relocated to a central position directly in front of the tower arch), is a gift from Cottesbrooke Church in 1966, and a memorial to Bishop Blagden. This splendid font was designed by G R Street who may have been related to G E Street, the designer of the Uppingham School's Chapel. On the wall behind is a list (26) of Rectors starting before 1270 AD with Henry of Boreham. Besides Jeremy Taylor, there is Edmond Bonner later Bishop of London who played a leading role in the Marian persecution. Peter Hausted playwright, poet and preacher was curate in 1634 AD.