All Hallows' Church, Harthill facts for kids
The All Hallows Church is an old and important Anglican church. It is located in Harthill, South Yorkshire, England. This church is a Grade I listed building, which means it's a very special historical place.
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History of All Hallows Church
All Hallows Church was first built around 1080 AD. It was ordered by William de Warenne. He was the son-in-law of William the Conqueror. William de Warenne received a lot of land, including Harthill, for his help in the Norman invasion.
The church's tower was mostly built in the 1400s. However, the main part of the church, called the nave, is even older. Inside, you can see an old font with a special cover. There is also a beautiful old chest. The newer wooden parts of the church are also very nicely carved.
The church tower originally held eight bells. Over many years, two of these bells were lost. The remaining six bells were made between 1660 and 1889. These old bells were replaced with the current set in 1937.
Osborne Family Tombs
All Hallows Church is the traditional burial place for the Dukes of Leeds. This was the Osborne family. They used to live nearby at a place called Kiveton Hall. After Kiveton Hall was taken down in 1811, Hornby Castle became their main home.
The Mortuary Chapel and Vault
Thomas Osborne, 1st Duke of Leeds (1632–1712) bought the Harthill estate. He had a special burial room, called a mortuary chapel, built in the church. This chapel is in the north-east corner of All Hallows Church.
In 1900, a newspaper described the chapel. It said a huge tomb for the first Duke blocks the entrance. Above it, you can see old armour, a beautiful metal shield, and faded flags. A hidden window shows family crests made from painted glass in 1705. There is also a statue of Lady Margaret Osborne. She is shown kneeling at a desk with two children.
Beneath this chapel is the Osborne family vault. A vault is an underground burial chamber. In 1900, it was described as having eleven steps leading down to it. Here, many members of the family are buried. This includes seven Dukes, several Duchesses, and other relatives. There are twenty-four coffins, many still covered in red velvet. The last person buried here was the 7th Duchess.
Important Monuments and Burials
Many members of the Osborne family are buried at All Hallows Church. These include:
- Margaret (née Belasyse), wife of the 1st Baronet (died 1624)
- Sir Edward Osborne, 1st Baronet (1596–1647)
- Thomas Osborne, 1st Duke of Leeds (1632–1712)
- Peregrine Osborne, 2nd Duke of Leeds (1659–1729)
- Peregrine Osborne, 3rd Duke of Leeds (1691–1731)
- Thomas Osborne, 4th Duke of Leeds (1713–1789)
- Francis Osborne, 5th Duke of Leeds (1751–1799)
- George Osborne, 6th Duke of Leeds (1775–1838)
- Francis D'Arcy-Osborne, 7th Duke of Leeds (1798–1859)
- George Osborne, 8th Duke of Leeds (1802–1872)
- Louisa Catharine (née Caton), wife of the 7th Duke (died 1874)
The 12th and last Duke of Leeds (1884–1964) is buried in Rome, Italy.
Churchyard
All Hallows Church is surrounded by a large churchyard. This is where many people from the local area have been buried over the centuries.
See Also
- Grade I listed buildings in South Yorkshire
- Listed buildings in Harthill with Woodall
