St Peter’s Church in Brackley celebrated 800 years of ministry on 11 June with a special service attended by Bishop Andrew Proud and former clergy alongside civic dignitaries.
It is believed that St Peter’s has been used for worship since the seventh century and parts of the building date from around 1100, but the earliest recorded vicar at the church started ministering in 1223. The special day was also marked by a full peal of bells, last heard in 2016.
The Revd Rich Duncan, Vicar of St Peter’s, said ‘For the past 800 years, this church has been at the heart of Brackley community life as the place where people have met to worship, as well as to mark births, deaths, marriages, and the major events of the town's life.’
The celebration launched a series of events throughout this special year which not only will mark the anniversary, but will also seek to raise funds for much needed building work which the Grade 1 listed church urgently needs.
Revd Rich continued ‘As Brackley's only Grade I listed building, its largest public venue, and the county's largest churchyard, St Peter's Church and churchyard represent a crucial part of its heritage, and we want to ensure that many generations to come can continue to enjoy it.’
For more information about the fundraising events please visit https://www.stpetersbrackley.org.uk/800