“How old is it?” That’s the question visitors often ask about Saint Peter’s Church. Unfortunately no one knows exactly when Saint Peter’s Church was built. Records are missing. Some believe it dates back to the 14th century. Others suggest it was built around 1550.
Saint Peter’s Church began as a chapel of ease. It supported Saint German’s Cathedral in Peel Castle. Saint Peter’s Church served Kirk Patrick and Kirk German. It had one vicar for both parishes until 1714. A new church was built in Patrick. Then Saint Peter’s Church became the parish church for Kirk German and Peel. It remained so until 1884. In 1893 the present Parish Church was built.
The church has been rebuilt and altered many times. A fire in 1667 destroyed early records. Originally Saint Peter’s Church had just a chancel and nave. Bishop Wilson added a south transept. Later a north transept was added. Feltham described it in 1797 as being in the form of a cross. A west gallery was added in 1764. It was extended in 1826.
In 1813 there was an attempt to get funding for a new church. The existing church was described as ruinous. In 1826 the church was rebuilt. The parish was assessed to pay for the work.
In 1872 the Hon. J.K. Ward from Montreal gifted a public clock to Peel. There was no place to put it. So the tower was built to house it. It was financed by public subscription. In the same year the Misses Crellin gifted a stained glass window. It was placed in the east end in memory of their father.
After being empty for 10 years Saint Peter’s Church was converted into a mission church in 1903. This was through the efforts of the then Vicar, the Rev. Edward Rainbow. The interior was greatly altered. The pews and transept galleries were removed. The floor was re-laid. The west gallery remained.
Sadly in 1958 a fire made the building unsafe. It was demolished shortly after. The graveyard was transferred to the new church on Douglas Road.
Look closely at the remains of the chancel. You can see the remains of a piscine. This is a stone basin used for washing communion vessels. It suggests the church is pre-Reformation.
An old font was found in the churchyard. It had been lying under rubbish. It is made of red sandstone. It may have been used for the total immersion of infants.
The church bell has an interesting history. In 1714 Mr. George Moore promised money towards casting a bell. This bell didn’t last long. In 1808 it was cracked. A new bell was ordered from England. The total cost was £30 14s. 9d. Thomas Clucas was paid for rum and ale when fixing the bell. The bell is still in use. It bears the name E. Perry, Whitehaven, 1809.
In 1902 a pair of brass altar candlesticks were found. They were covered in dirt. One was broken. They were a gift from M. Est. Tear to Kk. Germain in 1746. Esther Tear was the wife of a schoolmaster.
Saint Peter’s Church tells a long and complex story. Fires and rebuilding have shaped its history. Despite its ruined state, it remains a fascinating landmark. It connects us to Peel’s past.