Historic Churches of Buckinghamshire
St Peter, Ilmer
Important Church Note: | Ilmer is also known as Longwick-cum-Ilmer |
Denomination: | C of E - Aylesbury Deanery |
Local Authority to 2020: | Wycombe District Council |
Local Authority UA: | Bucks UA (North West Chilterns) |
Building Location: | Ilmer (3 miles NW of Princes Risborough) |
Nearest Post Code: | HP27 9RA |
O/S Map Reference/NGR: | SP 76928 05491 |
Latitude & Longitude: | |
Church Web Site: | |
CofE ACNY Web Site: | |
For details of this church on our "Stained Glass of Buckinghamshire Churches" website, please click here
| Notes on Stained Glass: | The church has 4 stained glass windows, with 3 of them being Nuttgens windows. One is from 1933 by J E Nuttgens, and 2 later ones are by his son J A Nuttgens. |
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| Introduction to Church: | The small church still has clear evidence of its Norman origins. Much of the fabric dates from the 13C and 14C, and there is fine later medieval work in the form of the timber framework that supports the belfry and now the spire as well. The Nave and Chancel are not divided by an Arch, but by a fine medieval stone and timber screen. The Chancel was largely rebuilt c1860, but medieval features have been preserved by the restorer George Edmund Street who added stone and timber furnishings in his own solid style. |
| Notable Features: | | 12C | 12C Norman Doorway (now blocked). Was original S doorway |
| c1350 | Piscina. |
| 14C | Font, has been modified since being made. Cover is late 17th Century. |
| 15C | Sculpture on Window Seat. St Christopher and Trinity. |
| c1500 | Bell Tower Support Framework. Timberwork at W end of Nave. |
| c1500
| Chancel Screen. Wooden screen on a stone wall. |
| 18C | Pulpit. Possibly now on a later stone base. |
| 1860 | Reredos. Made of Bournemouth stone inlaid with Porphry and Marble. Designer was George Edmund Street. |
| 1860 | Clergy Seat & Desk. was George Edmund Street. |
| 1860 | Tiles in Sanctuary. Part of G E Street's restoration work. Maker was Minton. |
| 1909
| Spire. Added in 1909 to Bell Tower of c1500. |
| 20C | Lecturn. Copy of Lectern in Eton College Chapel. |
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An Illustrated Article about St Peter's Church, Ilmer - Page 3 of 3
Index of Main Topics Included:
Furnishings and Fittings
The octagonal font probably dates from the 14th Century. Its sides have been re-cut at some time, so it is possible that it had carved decoration which has been removed, most likely at the time of the Reformation.
Photo by Rex Harris
The font cover probably dates from the late 17th Century. It has a central post, with four ogee arched supports.
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The wooden Pulpit dates from the 18th Century, however most from that time would normally have a wooden base, so I suspect the current stone base with three steps might be later.
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George Edmund Street's work is most evident in the Chancel, the part of the church that he carefully rebuilt, preserving the windows and the Piscina.
In the Sanctuary we particularly see Street's Reredos and Floor Tiles.
The Reredos of Bournemouth stone inlaid with Porphyry and marble, is very characteristic of Street's work.
The Clergy Seat and Desk are a very solid piece of timberwork, again very recognisable as Street's work.
The Floor Tiles in the Sanctuary are Minton Tiles. As is often the case, they combine a number of decorative styles. They were fitted as part of Street's work in 1859/1860.
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The Lectern is apparently a copy of one in Eton College Chapel.
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Tower Supporting Framework
We really return to Architecture here. As the Bell Tower was built through the existing roof at the end of the 15th Century, it needed its own support, which was achieved with a wooden framework within the church. Here at Ilmer it is really like a giant table with its legs against the walls of the Nave. The timber structure of the tower then rests on the "table" and projects through the nave roof. This was all built by the end of the 15th Century, when the first bell was installed, which is thought to date to around 1500. As I wrote on Page 1, after 400 years it was decided to add the weight of the spire to the tower, which the existing support was obviously quite capable of handling.
This is what I have called a "table" above, a heavyweight platform supported on 4 legs, all made of timber. The sides and back have strengthening cross braces, and the open front is arched.
The North side of the structure.
A look at the South side. The thick wooden arch leads into the Nave, where the timbers are heavily moulded, looking similar to substantial roof timbers.
It is a remarkable structure, a medieval design to adapt an existing building.
12C walls, 14C font and window, 15C Tower Support Framework, 17C Font Cover, 19C Pews.
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Historic Churches of Buckinghamshire
All photographs by Michael G Hardy unless stated otherwise
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