© 2008 St John the Baptist, Capel PCC
THE PRESENT CHURCH BUILDINGS
The chief part of the present building was erected in the thirteenth century, probably about 1240, and although there have been alterations and additions it still retains much of the original work. This includes the west and south walls of the Nave, the east and south walls of the Chancel, including the piscina in the south wall, and the roof throughout; the west porch with its unusual semi-circular rafters, the west and south doors with the dog-tooth moldings and the fine stone buttress outside the south-east angle of the Nave. The only old windows are those in the south wall of the Chancel; the glass of these is almost flush with the outside wall and is without casements. An interesting feature is the projecting
keystone on the inner side of the doorways, evidently to prevent the doors, when closed, being unlawfully lifted off their hinges. (Note that this does not now apply to the south door which has; been re-positioned on the outside of the doorway but the keystone still remains on the inside). A south porch was added in 1838 and a small north transept with a gallery for children was built by the Shudi Broadwood family at about the same time. In 1851 the Chancel was restored and in 1864 a major restoration was carried out under the direction of Mr. Woodyer with money raised by the exercions of the then Vicar, the Rev J.,R. O'Fflahertie, aided by the Church societies.
