All Saints' Church, Mapperton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids All Saints' Church |
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| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Church of England |
| Ecclesiastical or organizational status | Private |
| Location | |
| Location | Mapperton, Dorset, England |
| Architecture | |
| Architectural type | Church |
All Saints' Church is a very old and special church in Mapperton, a village in Dorset, England. It used to be part of the Church of England but is now a private church. It belongs to the nearby Mapperton House estate. People think parts of the church were built way back in the 12th century! It's also a "Grade I listed building," which means it's a really important historical place that needs to be protected.
Contents
The Church's Long Story
How Old Is All Saints' Church?
All Saints' Church has a very long history. Some parts, like the chancel (the area around the altar), might be from the 12th century. That's over 800 years ago! In 1291, an old record mentioned it as a small chapel connected to a bigger church in Netherbury.
Changes Over the Centuries
The tall tower at the west end of the church was built in the 15th century. Around 1770, it was repaired and changed. They added pointy tops called pinnacles and a decorative wall called a parapet. In 1704, a person named Richard Brodrepp had the nave (the main part of the church where people sit) rebuilt.
The church was fixed up again in 1846. At that time, a south porch was added, which is like a small entrance room. Later, in 1908, a south vestry (a room for clergy and church items) was built.
From Public to Private
In 1971, the church's parish (its local area) joined with another one called Melplash. Then, in 1977, All Saints' Church was sold. It became a private chapel for the Mapperton House estate.
Even though it's private, the church is usually open to visitors. You can visit it when the beautiful gardens of Mapperton House are open. The church is also used for special services in the summer and other events. You can even hire it for weddings!
What the Church Looks Like
Building Materials and Parts
All Saints' Church is built from a mix of stone. It uses "rubble" (rough, broken stones) and "ashlar" (smooth, cut stones) from a type of rock called Ham stone. The church has several main parts:
- The nave (the main area)
- The chancel (the area near the altar)
- A south vestry (a small room)
- A west tower (the tall part at one end)
- A south porch (the entrance)
Over time, the pinnacles and parapet on the west tower were removed. The tower was made shorter, and the roof of the nave was extended over it. Now, the west end of the roof has a small structure called a bell-cot with a single bell.
Windows and Inside Features
The nave has three windows on each side (north and south). Many of the beautiful stained glass windows in the church are very old, from the 16th and 17th centuries.
The arch leading to the chancel was built in 1704. It has a special shape called "two-centred" and "chamfered" (meaning its edges are cut at an angle). A doorway from the 13th century was moved and now has a stone panel from 1704. This panel has a Latin message that means "At the expense of Richard Brodrepp, Esquire, in the year of our Lord 1704."
Inside, you can see a font (a basin for baptisms) that dates back to the 12th century. The communion rails (a barrier near the altar) are from around 1704. The west window in the tower has special stained glass. It remembers William Munro Aitchison and was made in 1850. There's also a monument in the chancel from 1737. It honors Richard Brodrepp and his children, George and Etheldred. This monument was carved by a famous sculptor named Peter Scheemakers.
