Peak Experience

The church as we see it today mostly dates from its rebuilding in 1590 and later restoration in the 1800s.  Just inside and to the right of the entrance is a collection of fragments from its Saxon past.  The chancel arch is probably Norman.

  A picture of St Peter, AlstonefieldSt Peter, Alstonefield  a picture of the Inside of St Peter's, Alstonefield  a picture of the Inside of St Peter's, Alstonefield

 

One of the distinguishing features of the interior is its very fine collection of box pews.  The Cotton family pew stands at the east end of the north aisle. Charles Cotton was a close friend of the angler and writer Izaak Walton.  He even contributed to Walton’s great classic, The Compleat Angler.  The pew is hard to miss since it was painted pale green in the 1800s!

 

A picture of the Cotton family pew, Alstonefield

 

Opposite the pulpit stands the Beresford family box pew.  Behind and to its right you’ll find equally luxurious pews, some complete with coat hooks and space for extra chairs.

 

The north aisle has benches for those who could not afford pew rents.  In the south aisle you’ll find a line of small low benches, behind which are some higher pews.  Village schools were often held in church buildings, and these may have been school benches.

 

The ornately carved two-tier pulpit dates from 1627.  It would originally have had three tiers – for the vicar, curate and churchwardens.

 

On the south side of the churchyard, in line with the porch, you can find a small round gravestone dedicated to Anne Green in 1518 – probably the oldest of its kind in the country.

 

gravestone dedicated to Anne Green, Alstonefield

The church is kept open.  There are two pubs in the village, as well as an art gallery and craft shop.

 

Step back in time around Alstonefield with Peak Time Travellers.

 

Public transport information for all locations can be found by calling Traveline on 0871 200 2233.

 

To plan your journey to Alstonefield, visit the Staffordshire journey planner.