St Peter’s in the 18th and early 19th centuries
The roof line is lower and partially hidden by a parapet.
A small west door in the tower is still evident.
The tower had collapsed at the end of the 16th century and had been rebuilt in the 17th century about 3 metres to the east of its original position. The grand west door was not rebuilt but an indication of how impressive it was can be seen in the reused stonework in the arch above the west window.
In 1823 Miss Ann Baker, who was an honorary member of the Northampton Architectural Society, began the task of removing plaster and whitewash from the 12th century stone carvings in the church. The job took several years and was undertaken using a bone knife so as not to damage the carvings.
Note the flat plaster ceiling and the rectangular window which had at some time replaced a 12th century arched window in the south clerestory.
1719, by Peter Tillemans, probably drawn on 16 September 1719. Note the flat roof below the parapets and the prominent water spouts. The lower part of the south aisle windows appear to be blocked off.
Circa 1727 Southwest Prospect of Northampton by John Harris.
Note in this image the roof is lower and is not visible behind a parapet.
St Peter’s church drawn from the north. This was before the 1850s restoration. Note the unrebuilt east end (left of the building) and the lower roof line. Taken from Noble & Butlin’s 1747 plan.
Richard Gough, 1735–1809, North side of St. Peter’s, Northampton, c.1763.
Image courtesy of Yale Center for British Art.
From J. Britten’s “Architectural Antiquities of Great Britain” 1807 exterior from north west.
From J. Britten’s “Antiquities “ 1807 interior toward west.
From Britten’s “Chronological History of English Architecture” 1818 view from north west aisle.
