Tollerton St Peter

Features and Fittings

Fonts

Medieval font

C19th font

The medieval font is situated to the left of the west entrance. It was removed from the church in 1812 and being used as a trough for the parish pump in 1918. It was at this time returned to the church. It is a rough, circular tub font, with evidence for locks to secure the former lid and probably dates from the twelfth or thirteenth century.

The nineteenth century font, currently in use, is located at the west end of the nave, just to the south of the gallery arch. It is of ashlar, raised on a stone plinth, with openwork geometrical decoration, and has a simple, inset bowl.

Pillar Piscina

The medieval pillar piscina is the oldest item in the church. It was used to wash the chalice after Communion and examples on a pedestal are very rare. The shaft is decorated with diaper and the bowl with scrolls, clearly of the twelfth century. It is similar to the piscina at Oxton and probably of the same vintage.

It looks weather-worn as it was removed from the church during the 1812 restoration and was found by the rector, Mr Welby, being used as a garden ornament at the South Lodge of the Hall around 1867. It was returned and put in the west porch. It has since been moved to its rightful place in the sanctuary.

Pulpit

A simple wooden pulpit with minimal tracery decoration, raised on a stone plinth, is located on the north side of the chancel arch. It dates from the nineteenth century.