St. Peter and St. Paul
Another contribution to this series, started by sadexploration, is St. Peter and St. Paul, West Clandon.
The Domesday Book of 1086 records that there was a church on this site and that Edward of Salisbury owned part, if not all, of the village of West Clandon. This church is one of a number lying on the land where the chalk downs give way to the clay lowland (i.e. the “Spring Line”).
This church was under the patronage of Henri de Blois, Bishop of Winchester (1120-1171), brother of King Stephen. Henri would probably have put in hand the building of this church when the 12th century Normans set about replacing and enlarging churches alongside their ambitious Cathedral and Monastery building programme.
There appears to have been a connection between this parish and this church with the Knights Templar, circa 1220, when significant changes were made to the chancel. We know that land was given in Merrow to the Knights Templar in 1241 and one of their headquarters was at Temple Court, the present home of the Earl of Onslow, within this parish. During the 13th century many features were added including a chancel to replace the wooden apse, an unusually large tower, a triple lancet window and the font.
After the Templar dissolution, following their trial for heresy in 1310, the then patron of West Clandon, William de Weston, made further additions to the church.
This church is next to a busy road with bends so take special care when crossing the road or if you have children with you. However if you park at the suggested parking place at N51 15.047 W000 30.268 you should be able to avoid crossing the road
A simple offset cache where the coordinates will take you to a place where you will get the info you need.
What is the date on the Lychgate here? 1ABC
The cache can be found at:
N51 15.(A-B) (A+1) (C-3) W000 30. (A-C) C (A-B)
The cache has a log book only plus micro certificates and hand made micro churches but no pen so please bring one with you.
If anybody would like to expand this series please do, we would just ask that you could let sadexploration know first so he can keep track of the Church numbers and names to avoid duplication