At the turn of the 20th Century, the interior of St Peter’s is richly decorated with fittings provided by wealthy local donors such as the Smith-Dorrien Family. In this captivating photograph taken c.1909, we see the arch at the east end of the nave. The pulpit is yet to be decorated with Harry Hems’s carved angels (they are added soon after in memory of Mary Ann smith-Dorrien); the medieval chancel screen has been brought forward to the west tower arch and adorned with a large wooden cross; above the arch is the huge wall painting in memory of Rector James Hutchinson; and through the screen we can see through to the chancel right back to the east end with the gilded Arts & Crafts High Altar. Within 50 years, this scene is to change considerably.
