The 14th century Parish Church of St Peter and St Paul stands on the banks of the River Great Ouse at Olney in north Buckinghamshire. The tower has a very fine Northamptonshire-style broach spire which has four sets of lucarnes and dates from the late 14th century. The octagonal pinnacles at the base of the spire are thought to be 17th century.
The church is where slave trader turned abolitionist John Newton – author of the hymn Amazing Grace – served as curate from 1764 to 1779. There is a stained glass image of him at the church, as well as a representation of his ship in storm during which he converted to Christianity. The top of the famous spire at St.Peter and St.Paul has a weather cock inscribed: "I never crow but stand to show whence winds do blow. 1829". The top of the spire was restored in 1884 and is a different colour. The spire reaches a height of 185 feet [56.5 m].
Loading contexts...
