Ripley is an ancient village on the old London to Portsmouth Road. The Church was built in the 12th Century to serve the small community gathered around the crossroads. In the mid nineteenth century the nave of the Church was found to be “damp and unfortunately improved”.

It was replaced by a larger nave and at the same time the floor level of both nave and chancel was raised to bring the floor above the damp.

A substantial guide to the Church was prepared and published by the Ripley and Send History Society and is available for sale in the Church or from the Society.

 

Lord Nelson is said to have stopped regularly in Ripley on his journeys between London and Portsmouth; one of his captains is buried in the Churchyard.

 

Eric Clapton was born and brought up in Ripley and still has strong links to the village.