Friends of St Peter & St Paul
Our aim
The aim of the Friends scheme is to promote a shared sense of community, both locally and universally, centred on a beautiful historic building in a peaceful rural Oxfordshire setting. Anyone interested in this special place, wherever they live and whether or not they are church-goers, is welcome to join.
Intro letter from the Chair
My name is Alexa Young
Many people will already know that the parish church of St Peter & St Paul in Church Hanborough is in need of substantial work. St Peter & St Paul is a historic treasure which has witnessed over 900 years of our community life. But as the recent Beer Festival (when over 800 people shared the festivities) illustrated, the church remains a vibrant and living part of the village. The church is normally open daily 9am-5pm, and the growing congregation welcomes all to join them in enjoying the special ambience and peaceful atmosphere of this ancient place of worship and community life.
The Spire, which was last upgraded in the 19th century, needs some major work if it is to continue to be a beacon of light across west Oxfordshire. But our care and work won’t end with the spire. A new path, a more accessible entrance, and new lighting are being carefully designed to take account of the historic character of the building while making it more available for contemporary needs.
And if we are to secure the future of this historic and beautiful building, then we need to look to enable works long term. Hence we are relaunching the Friends of St Peter and St Paul. In the coming months look out for a number of special events, but in the meantime please do join me in the Friends of St Peter and St Paul.
Best wishes,
Dr Nick Wood
Chair, Friends of St Peter and St Paul
Foundation of the Church
Reputedly, Henry I founded the church in 1108 and the original dedication was to “St Peter in vinculis”. By 1121, the King referred to the church as “my beautiful church at Hanborough”. According to Robert of Torigny, “The wise king surpassed almost all other princes of his time in both clemency and wealth. By his clemency he endowed churches, monasteries and the poor people of his land.”
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Spire project update
Rebuilding a spire is a large, complex, once-in-a-generation project, and much has to happen before any physical building work can begin. Securing a team with the right experience is vital: the project team is now fully assembled, headed by our Church Architect, Peter Preston of Wollastone Rose Architects.
What have bats got to do with it?
So far, 2025 has been all about bats.
We commissioned Dr Merryl Gelling of Spire Ecology to carry out a preliminary roosting assessment for bats in January. Evidence of bats was found both internally and externally so we already know St Peter and St Paul is host to at least three species: Common pipistrelle, Brown long-eared bats and Soprano pipistrelle.
Bat surveys, both inside and outside, will now continue until the end of the bats’ peak activity period (May to September). What these surveys reveal about the kind of bats we have, what the bats are doing, and where, will dictate the timetable for the work on the spire. If there are endangered bats, then we will have to do work outside nesting season (Feb/Mar 2026). If there aren't, we will be better waiting for the summer (May-Sept 2026). If required, a European Protected Species Mitigation licence will be applied for prior to any works being undertaken.
So, what are we doing in the meantime?
Work is underway to improve accessibility by relaying the path at St Peter and St Paul and lowering the North Porch door to give level access into church. The path will include bat-friendly lighting and trunking for cabling. An improved path will also be beneficial for the works on the spire.
Did you know?
Bat poo crumbles; mice poo doesn’t.
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Did you know?
The brown long-eared bat has huge ears and can even hear a ladybird walking on a leaf!
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Saskia Emma Merry and Steve Young
Co Churchwardens ChristChurch and St Peter and St Paul, Hanborough Parish
Events
The Friends of St Peter and St Paul is planning a variety of events – musical, social and historic.
Save the date
The last Sunday of June is when we celebrate the feast of St Peter and St Paul. This service will include an update on spire works followed by refreshments
Sunday 29th June 2025 – 10am
St Peter and St Paul
Church Road
Church Hanborough
OX29 8AB
Contact us
To sign up to keep up to date with the works on our beautiful and historic parish church, and to find out how you can become a Friend of St Peter and St Paul, please email friendsofpeterandpaul@hanboroughparish.co.uk
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