High Altar and Reredos

The sanctuary was established in 1874. The encaustic tiles in the sanctuary are by Godwin of Herefordshire (1813 – 1883). The reredos (1893) was designed by Fellowes Prynne and painted by his brother Edward Prynne. The central panel shows Christ the King surrounded by the emblems of the four evangelists. The panels on either side depict St Nicholas, the Virgin Mary, St John the Baptist and St Richard of Chichester.

The altar is the most important and sacred part of the church. At the altar the sacrament of Christ’s Body and Blood is celebrated. When Christians participate in this action, commonly known as the Eucharist, Mass or Holy Communion, the saving death of Christ is proclaimed and the faithful experience the fullness of God’s grace through their communion with the Lord Jesus. The sacrament is reserved in the tabernacle on the high altar.

The Pulpit

Original (1380) to the church and unusually built into stone tower pillars with graceful internal Gothic vaulting. Note dagger motifs above three arches. The Lectern extension was added in the 19th century.

The pulpit is used for preaching God’s word. Its grandness highlights the importance of the Bible for Christians.