PRN 70559 These two churches, which were grouped together in one churchyard, have always been considered amongst the most important in the city. There is some circumstantial evidence that the two known churches may have been preceded by a pre-Viking Christian site. The two churches of the medieval period were definitely in existence within their churchyard by the 11th century, and they appear to be referred to (although not by name) in Domesday book. Their names give an indication of their importance and their connections with local government. St Peter at Arches refers to the Stonebow and St Peter at Pleas (also known as 'at Mootstone') refers to the nearby city meeting place. The mootstone itself may have stood in the churchyard. A chantry was founded at St Peter at Pleas by Robert Huddlestone, wool-stapler, in 1375. The chantry was united with the rectory in 1484. An anchoress was resident at St Peter at Arches in 1511. Towards the later medieval period, St Peter at Arches appears to have taken precedence over its neighbour and, whilst both continued to receive wealthy patronage and elite burials, St Peter at Arches appears to have received the greater share. In 1542 the two churches were united. St Peter at Pleas was pulled down and its fabric (including roof lead, ornaments and bells) was sold by the City Council, although the chancel lasted until 1549. Following this, St Peter at Arches became the main civic church and it remained so until its eventual demolition in 1933. The medieval building was demolished in 1719 and replaced by a very grand new building which cost the City Council over £3000 and expressed their civic pride. This building remained until 1933. Stone from its fabric was used in the construction of the replica known as St Giles in Lamb Gardens, which is mostly built in brick but includes some stonework from the 18th century church as well as some 12th century fragments which may have come from one of the St Peters although this is not certain. The churchyard continued to receive burials until the 1850s. {1}{2}{3}{4}{5}{6}