Coveney, St Peter ad Vincula

Set in its distinctive small village on a low ridge with views across the fens to Ely, St Peter ad Vincula is a small but fine 13th century aisle-less church, with a 14th century tower and alterations, a richly furnished interior and a 15th century roof structure. In the 1890s Athelstan Riley, patron of the living, arranged the installation of many notable fittings – reredos with late 15th century reliefs of the Passion, rood screen surmounted by carved and painted Crucifixion, St Mary and St John, 18th century Danish pulpit with painted panels, 18th century Dutch chandelier. At that time also the thatched roof, then the sole remaining example in the area, was replaced by the present Westmorland slate roof. Inside there are also 20th century painted relief Stations of the Cross and benches c.1500 with Instruments of the Passion and other carvings. Recent changes to management of the churchyard in line with the Eco Church initiative have achieved an A Rocha Bronze award and a silver churchyard conservation award from the Wildlife Trust.