Walls of Milton Keynes' ancient monument crumble away after people climb on them

The ruins of the 12th century St Peter’s Church and graveyard at Stanton Low are Grade 11 listed.

This week stones have fallen away from the walls because it is believed visitors have been climbing on them.

A Parks Trust spokesman said: "Please can we remind visitors not to climb on the walls of St Peter’s Church at Stanton Low as this can cause significant damage to the ruins.

"We are so lucky to have ancient monuments within Milton Keynes’ parks and it’s important we all take care of them to ensure they remain intact for future generations to come."

St Peter's Church was built to serve the parishioners of Stantonbury Village and was still use up to end of the nineteenth century/early twentieth century.

The chancel arch dates from around 1150. A third arch was added for strengthening around the 14th century and was this removed to St James Church in New Bradwell after the roof of St Peter's collapsed in 1956.

The almost complete limestone east wall of the chancel with 14th century arch is mainly what can be seen at the site today.

The custodianship of St Peters Church transferred from Milton Keynes Council to The Parks Trust in 2016. Prior to this transfer, the local group Friends of St Peter's Church worked to stabilise and converse the ruins so that it could be appreciated by future generations. Work included repointing stones, rebuilding walls and recapping tops of the walls.

You can find out more about the church here.