St Peter, Old Woking

Modern Woking grew up around the railway station, which opened in 1838. The original (and very old)  village is a mile and a half to the south east and still retains many of its original buildings, although it is sadly - and very noisily - dissected by two busy roads. Thankfully, St Peter's is quietly tucked away down a short road, close to the River Wey.

Records confirm the establishment of a Minster dedicated to St Peter as early as 675AD, and a church here is mentioned in Domesday. The oldest fabric (the north and west nave walls) is early 12th century; the 13th added the nave and the base of the west tower, which is a a happily messy mix of roughly knapped flint and old tiles. The 14th and 15th century provided the south aisle and upper part of the tower; and in the early 17th century came a pretty brick south porch, and the west gallery. 

The chief point of interest is the original west door: the simple roll-moulded arch has piers with cushion capitals, but - more importantly - retains its original Norman door. The wonderfully curved ironwork evokes classic Viking imagery of serpents and dragons. Consisting of four planks from a single tree, it has been dated between 1100 and 1138, making it a notable survivor. 

Other furnishings of interest include late mediaeval pews, a Jacobean pulpit, two early 16th century brasses, and some splendid 18th century monuments. But the chief joy is that they are set in a homely jumble of windows and wall monuments. This feels a friendly interior.

St Peter's is part of a benefice of three churches, offering a range of  traditional and more modern, informal, services. It is open weekdays and Sunday for visitors and private prayer.

St Peter, Church Street, Old Woking GU22 9JF