St Peter and St Paul’s Church

Gordano Open Days

Weekends 14th-15th and 21st-22nd of September 2019

All venues are open to the public - entry is free

St Peter and St Paul's Church

Clevedon Road, Weston-in-Gordano,Somerset, BS20 8PZ

Sat-Sun 11:00am- 18:00pm

The Church is designated as a Grade I listed building. It was erected in the 12th Century by Sir Ascelin de Perceval, Earl of Yvery, son of Robert, who accompanied William the Conqueror on his expedition to England.

Richard, the Grandson of Ascelin, was a Commander in King Richard's army on the Third Crusade to the Holy Land. Legend has it that when he lost the use of his right arm in battle he took the reins of his horse in his teeth and continued fighting with his sword in his left hand. Returning from the Crusade with only one arm and one leg he was famously depicted in a Monty Python sketch as the knight who carried on in spite of injuries.

He and his tomb are just opposite the porch door. Although now quite plain, it was originally very ornate with railing and brass covers.

The church is beautifully preserved and maintained. The ancient font at the back of the nave was almost certainly produced in Normandy and shipped across the Channel. The 13th Century stone pulpit, on the south wall, is one of the earliest specimens of the fixed kind and a quaint and interesting feature in the church. The other pulpit, on the north side, is Jacobean. The seating in the chancel is of heavy oak stalls and Miserere's, which are roughly carved. It is thought that these could have come from Portbury Priory and, if so, could date back to the 12th Century. Elements of the east window are the oldest and contain glass that is medieval and depicts a variety of musical instruments.

Sunday 16th September at 3.30 pm there will be a Harvest Service with the Little Lights Children's Choir, followed by tea. All are welcome.

Tea and Coffee will be available during certain periods.