A TOUR of a Petersfield church was described as ‘fascinating’ by those who went on it and who ended up on the church roof enjoying panoramic views of the town.

St Peters in The Square was the subject of the guided tour, of which parts are Norman, with other parts dating back to the 12th century.

Petersfield resident Carol Surman said: “The tour of St. Peter’s was fascinating and very interesting.

“Not only was the history interesting but we also learned about the huge amount of practical

work that was needed to maintain the old church.

“We went up the tower, which was very steep and the step were very narrow tight, which was a real experience, and we ended up on the roof where there was a terrific view of Petersfield.”

The tower was raised to its present height during the 14th century and a parapet around it was added. During the 15th century, several windows with perpendicular tracery were inserted.

In 1873, a major restoration took place under the architect Sir Arthur Blomfield.

St Peter’s was closed from October 1998 while the ’St Peter’s 2000 Project’ carried out an extensive restoration and re-ordering of the building. The church was re-dedicated by the Bishop of Portsmouth on October 1, 1999.