The decorated reredos behind the present high altar was originally a 15th-century rood screen which stood further forward, separating the nave from the crossing and chancel. The carved figures were added by the Smith-Dorrien family in 1903 as thanksgiving for the safe homecoming of three family members after the Boer War
When the church was re-ordered in 1960, the screen was moved to its present position, screening off the old chancel, which now serves as the vestry. A plaque on the north-west stone pier, commemorating the Smith-Dorrien gift, marks the original location of the screen.
The figures depicted on the screen are (left to right):
St Jerome, 4th century theologian, holding a skull
St Gregory, a dove resting on his shoulder
St Augustine, founder of the library of Hippo, holding a book
St George, patron saint of England, shown defeating the dragon
St Andrew, patron saint of Scotland, carrying the X-shaped cross of his martyrdom
Archangel Michael, the angelic warrior and vanquisher of the Devil
Archangel Gabriel, messenger of God who announced the Incarnation to Mary
St Peter, patron saint of this church, holding the Keys of Heaven and a church
St Alban – holding a sword
St Ambrose, patron saint of beekeepers, a beehive at his feet
St Patrick, patron saint of Ireland, holding a shamrock
St Nicholas, resurrecting the children in the barrel
