Church of St Peter ad Vincula, Colemore

Colemore is mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086, and a church has been on the site since the 10th century. The present church dates from the 12th century. However, by 1308 its fabric was "in a ruinous" condition" and the bishop ordered that repairs should be undertaken. By the end of the century the church was under the control of Waverley Abbey in Surrey. By 1463 it was again in a ruinous condition, and again the bishop had to intervene; the church was put in good order again by July 1464. But its condition had deteriorated again by 1612; a new roof was built and a bellcote added. At this time the church had a cruciform plan, but in 1669 the parishioners considered that the interior was…

The transept arch is Norman. Between the nave and chancel is a 16th-century wooden screen. In the east wall of the transept is a piscina and a squint, and in the south wall are the remains of a rood staircase. There is another piscina in the south wall of the chancel. In the north wall of the chancel is a recess that originally contained an Easter Sepulchre. The floor of the chancel contains ledger stones commemorating former rectors of the parish, and from its ceiling hang two chandeliers. The font dates from the 12th century. It is made from Purbeck marble and consists of a square bowl supported by a central drum and columns at the corners. The drum is carved on two sides with arcades, on…