St Peter And St Pauls Bexhill

Alright, gather 'round, folks. I've got a tale to tell you about a couple of blokes you might've heard of - St Peter and St Paul. Now, don't go rolling your eyes, this isn't your grandma's history lesson. We're talking Bexhill here, the sunny seaside town that's got more going on than you'd think. So, grab a cuppa, get comfy, and let's dive in.

Once Upon a Time in Bexhill

Picture this: it's the 13th century, and our boys, Peter and Paul, are just a couple of humble fishermen, minding their own business on the sparkling shores of Bexhill. Now, I know what you're thinking, "Fish? In Bexhill? I've seen the state of the beach huts, mate!" But hey, even the humble seaside town had its heyday, alright?

Anyway, these two weren't your average fishermen. They were the real deal, the original catch of the day, if you will. They were so good, they even had a church named after them. And not just any church, mind you, but St Peter and St Paul's, the grand old lady of Bexhill's skyline.

The Church that Wouldn't Die

Now, this church has seen more than its fair share of drama. It's been burned down, rebuilt, and even had a bit of a makeover in the Victorian era. It's like the Downton Abbey of churches, always finding a way to bounce back. And let me tell you, the Victorians didn't do things by halves. They gave it a good old spruce up, added some fancy stained glass, and even threw in a bit of a tower for good measure.

But here's where it gets interesting. You know those secret passages they always talk about in old buildings? Well, St Peter and St Paul's has one. Yep, you heard it here first. It's a hidden staircase that leads up to the tower. Now, I'm no expert, but I reckon that's got to be the best hiding spot in Bexhill. I mean, who's going to look for you in a church tower, right?

Art that'll Make Your Eyes Pop

Alright, so you've had your fun exploring the secret staircase. Now it's time to appreciate some art. St Peter and St Paul's is home to some seriously impressive paintings. We're talking ceiling-to-floor masterpieces that'll make your eyes pop out of your head. And the best part? They're all free to admire. Bargain, huh?

But here's the kicker. These paintings aren't just any old art. They're part of a series called the 'Bexhill Murals'. Now, I know what you're thinking, "Murals? In Bexhill? I thought this was supposed to be a joke!" But no, these are the real deal. They're so good, they've even been declared a national treasure. Fancy that!

St. Peter's Church, Bexhill © PAUL FARMER :: Geograph Britain and Ireland

From Fish to Film

Speaking of fancy, did you know that Bexhill's got a bit of a film history? Yep, it's true. Our little seaside town was once home to the very first cinema in the UK. And who do you think built it? None other than our boys, Peter and Paul. Well, not literally, of course. But you get the idea.

Now, I know what you're thinking, "How on earth did a couple of fishermen manage to build a cinema?" Well, let me tell you, these weren't your average fishermen. They were entrepreneurs, visionaries, the original Bexhill boys done good. And let's face it, if they could build a cinema, there's no telling what else they could've done. Maybe they'd have invented the ice cream cone, or the beach hut, or even the humble deckchair. The possibilities are endless!

The Bexhill Boys' Legacy

So there you have it, folks. The tale of St Peter and St Paul, the humble fishermen who became the pride of Bexhill. They might not have invented the ice cream cone, but they did leave behind a legacy that's still going strong today. And that, my friends, is something worth celebrating.

Next time you're strolling along the seafront, or admiring the grand old church, remember the story of Peter and Paul. They might not have been the first people you think of when you think of Bexhill, but they're certainly among the most interesting. And isn't that what makes a place truly special?