St Peter

MATERIALS: Local red sandstone, tower of hand-moulded brick, tile roofs.

The south doorway has continuous moulding and graffiti of various dates, the earliest of which are 1600

The nave has a cradle roof, probably of the C14.

The chancel has a late-medieval keeled wagon roof, which has moulded braces with carved feet on a moulded wall plate (similar to High Offley).

PRINCIPAL FIXTURES: There are several monuments of the C14-C18.

In the chancel north wall is a very fine C14 tomb recess, with cinquefoil arch under a crocketed gable and with flanking pinnacles.

The effigy (repainted probably in the C17) is of Ralph de Botiller , and shows a cross-legged knight in chain mail and surcoat, drawing his sword.

A damaged C15 effigy lies in front of it and is said to be of Sir Edward Botiller.

On the sanctuary floor are weathered C14

C15 female effigies.

In the floor of the sanctuary is a late C14 brass of Lady Hawys Botiller, showing a figure 4ft long.

In the chancel south wall is a large Baroque wall monument to Charles Skrymsher , with fluted pilasters, broken segmental pediment and achievements.

The font, dated 1738, has a baluster stem with round bowl, carved as a single piece.

The pulpit is late C19 but incorporates Jacobean panels.

The C17 communion rails have fret-cut balusters.

HISTORY: The church was built in the C14, probably by Ralph de Botiller , whose tomb is in the chancel.

The nave roof may be original, although the chancel roof, similar to the roof at nearby High Offley, is probably late C15 or C16.

The medieval church had a west tower, which was replaced in brick in 1759, possibly by William Baker , architect of Audlem, although the new tower is said to have been built around older stonework at the base (and has C17 bells).

Restoration in 1826-29 (recorded on tablet on north vestry) included addition of north vestry and a west gallery, at a cost of £700.

REASONS FOR DESIGNATION: The church of St Peter, Norbury, is listed Grade I for the following principal reasons: * The core of the building is a well-preserved mid C14 church, only lightly restored in the C19. * It has well-preserved medieval roofs, including the outstanding late-medieval chancel roof. * It has fine C14 monuments to Ralph de Botiller and his wife. * It has other interior features of special interest, including C14

A medieval scratch dial (one of three such dials) within the south face of the Chancel of St. Peter's Church, Norbury, Staffordshire

© Anthony Rowley

C15 effigies, C18 wall monument, C17 communion rails and C18 font. * For the historical interest of its C18 tower which contrasts strikingly in period and material with the body of the church.