St Peter & St Paul, Albury

This charming, ancient church sits in a lovely, peaceful setting among trees in the middle of Albury Park above the gently running River Tilling. It is full of contrasts and surprises. The building dates from Saxon and Norman times. Further additions were made throughout the centuries, including the odd but delightful 18th century shingled cupola over the tower. The interior is uncluttered and light with a beautiful flagstone floor.

There is a very fine door dating from the 13th century, a well-preserved painting of St Christopher dating from the 15th, and interesting monuments, including a brass of John Weston who died in 1440. In complete contrast is the south chapel, which was remodelled in the 19th century by the renowned Victorian architect Augustus Welby Pugin, as a mortuary chapel for the Drummond family, owners of Albury Park. This is lavishly decorated, with stained glass, painted walls and ceiling, and a magnificent tiled floor, a wonderful example of the Victorians’ taste for richness and colour. The churchyard contains interesting monuments and in January and February is a carpet of different varieties of snowdrop.