All Hallows' Church, Harthill facts for kids
The All Hallows Church is a very old and important church in Harthill, South Yorkshire, England. It's part of the Anglican faith. This church is so special that it's called a Grade I listed building. This means it's one of the most important historic buildings in the country!
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History of All Hallows Church
All Hallows Church was first planned around 1080 AD. A powerful person named William de Warenne asked for it to be built. He was the son-in-law of William the Conqueror, a famous king. William de Warenne received a lot of land, including Harthill, for helping in the Norman invasion.
The church's tall tower was mostly built in the 1400s. The main part of the church, called the nave, was built when older Norman styles were changing. Inside, you can see an old font with a special wooden cover. There is also a beautiful old chest. The newer wooden parts of the church are carved with amazing details.
The church tower once held eight bells. Over many years, two of these bells were lost. In 1950, a history book said that the six remaining bells were made between 1660 and 1889. These old bells were replaced with the current set in 1937.
In 1999, the church was valued at about £1.25 million for insurance. This shows how much its value grew from £689 in 1831!
Osborne Family Tombs
All Hallows Church is the special burial place for the Dukes of Leeds from the Osborne family. This important family used to live nearby at a place called Kiveton Hall. After Kiveton Hall was taken down in 1811, Hornby Castle became their main home.
Mortuary Chapel and Vault
Thomas Osborne, 1st Duke of Leeds (who lived from 1632 to 1712) bought the Harthill land. He had a beautiful chapel built in the church just for his family. This chapel is in the north-east part of All Hallows Church.
In 1900, a newspaper described the chapel. It said a huge tomb for the first Duke blocked the entrance. Above it, in the dim light, hung old armour and faded flags. One shield was made of beautiful metal. A hidden window showed family symbols in painted glass from 1705. There is also a statue of Lady Margaret Osborne. She is shown kneeling at a desk with two children.
Underneath this chapel is the Osborne family vault. This is a secret underground room where many family members are buried. In 1900, the newspaper described it. Eleven steps lead down through an iron door. Here, seven Dukes, several Duchesses, and other family members rest. There were 24 coffins, many still covered in red velvet. They had brass nails and crowns. The last person buried there was the 7th Duchess.
Notable Burials
Many members of the Osborne family are buried at All Hallows Church. These include:
- Margaret (who was born 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 (who was born 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 an open area with grass and trees. Many people from the local area are buried here.
See also
- Grade I listed buildings in South Yorkshire
- Listed buildings in Harthill with Woodall
