In 1731 the town was almost totally destroyed by fire. It was rebuilt on the same plan as before but In the fashionable 'Georgian' style. The chief builders were the brothers John and William Bastardy a local firm of builders and joiners. The whole scheme of church and market terraces forms a remarkable essay In the manner of such famous Italian architects as Borromini and Bernini. It is Intriguing to speculate how local builders could produce such baroque elegance, The probability is that they were instructed by Thomas Archer, a celebrated exponent of this .school, who built the nearby Chettle House and employed the brothers as his joiners.

The original scheme incorporated an ornate stone spire, but there was a disagreement and the completion of the tower was entrusted to Kethanael Ire son of Wincanton who erected the graceful cupola which we have just reconstructed after damage by lightning. In 1896 the semi-circular apse was moved eastward on rollers and the present chancel was inserted. At the same time the organ was moved into the chancel from its original position in the west gallery, to the detriment of its effectiveness.

This organ, one of the few surviving works of George Pike England, Is an instrument of great tonal quality, and is unique in that it has the only remaining playable Great Mounted Cornet Stop. It was built for the church in 1794. It Is in need of overhaul, though we do not wish to change its character. We propose to restore it to its former position on the fine, curved west gallery where, we are assured, it will sound to greater effect. At the same time we hope to remove the
heavy and unnecessary side galleries which were added in 1857, and which obscure the light and cut awkwardly into the beautiful Ionic columns of the nave. This, in turn, will necessitate new lighting. Towards these works we have some money specifically left by will.

The pulpit was brought from the Wren church of St. Antholin in the City of London when that church was demolished. It possessed a ^wine-glass' stem and a lovely curved stair, both of which were removed in 1896,

The font, a 'Bastard' work is much admired as the product of a woodcarver using an unfamiliar medium.