St Peter's Church, Ruddington
A 14th century church rebuilt except for the spire in 1887-88. However Bell and Roper’s partnership had been dissolved in 1879. The chancel screen is noted as being of carved oak with statues of St John, Melchisedek, St Peter and Aaron carved by Millson. Pevsner dates church as 1887 but gives no further details.
ST. PETER’S CHURCH, RUDDINGTON, NEAR NOTTINGHAM - The perspective view and small plan given will sufficiently show the design and arrangement of this church. The only part of the old church retained is the tower and spire; the latter was pulled down, a new belfry built upon the old tower, and then re-erected; the total height to the top of the spire is 116 feet. The materials used for the exterior walling is Coxbench stone; the interior is lined with stone from the Bath quarries. The roofs are covered with slates. An oak dado, 7 feet high, surrounds the interior of the building. The nave roof is open timber work; that over the aisles and chancel is boarded and ribbed, the latter being decorated in colour with figures, nearly life-size, representing St. George, St. Uriel, St. Michael, and St. Raphael, surrounded by adoring angels and angels throwing incense, executed by Mr. Cantrill, of Manchester, from full-size cartoons drawn by the architects. The floor of the nave and aisles is of wood blocks, with tile passages; that of the chancel of Hopton-wood stone in 12 inch squares; and the sanctuary of encaustic tiles, all laid by Messrs. Conway, of Manchester. The chancel screen is surmounted by a massive cross, and, together with the side screens, benches, and altar, is of traceried and carved oak; the latter has statuettes in niches, representing St. John, Melchisedek, St. Peter, and Aaron, the work of Mr. Millsom, of Manchester. The altar-top is of Hopton-wood stone. Behind the altar is an embroidered dossal and wings, the work of the Sisters of Bethany. The east window is filled with glass by Messrs. Clayton & Bell, and represents the history of the priesthood from the earliest days of Christianity. This window has been fully and elaborately described in a work written by an American priest, published at the time of the consecration of the church. The glass in the side chancel windows (by Mr. Egan, of London) represents the Sacrifice of Cain and the Sacrifice of Isaac. The eastern window of the north aisle is also filled with stained glass, the gift of Captain Linskill, and represents the Good Shepherd, the work of Messrs. Powell, also of London. The nave and aisles are lit by fourteen brass spider pendants of seven lights each, and the chancel by brackets. These, as well as the other brass and wrought ironwork, were made by Mr. Powers, of Manchester. Messrs. Fish & Sons, of Nottingham, were the contractors, Mr. Henry Brown being responsible for the masonry. Messrs. Williams & Co. of London, supplied the casements and glazing, and Messrs. Stanton, also of London, the heating apparatus. Messrs. MacHamilton & Co., of Manchester, made the chancel screen and pulpit, and Mr. William Arbuckle, also of Manchester, the side screens, stalls, altar and nave panelling. Mr. Millsom executed the whole of the carving. Messrs. Bell & Roper, of Manchester, were the architects. [Builder 3 August 1889 page 82]
Reference Builder 3 August 1889 Page 82 report and illustration
Carvings Mr Millson of Manchester