Church of St Peter, Hascombe

About

St Peter's church in Hascombe, which is grade II* listed, was rebuilt during the mid-19th century, and the new church consecrated in June 1864. The original church dated from the 13th century but by 1862, when Canon Vernon Musgrave became rector, it was described as being in a poor condition. Musgrave set about raising funds to have the church rebuilt, paying for the chancel himself and persuading four local landowners to pay for the rest.

The architect of the new church was Henry Woodyer, a pupil of William Butterfield. During the demolition and rebuilding, services were held in the village pub, The White Horse. The church is built of local Bargate stone, with a simple nave, chancel, and lady chapel.

The roof rafters are cusped and gilded. The stained-glass is mostly by Hardman and Powell and the decoration is by J A Pippet, a freelance artist employed by Hardman. The medieval rood screen, made from Jerusalem olive trees and featuring elaborate carvings and paintings, remains from the old church and was restored in 1864 and decorated by Hardman and Powell.

The font of Purbeck marble, also recovered from the old church, dates back to 1690. The belfry, reached by a spiral staircase from...