All Saints' Church, Hawton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids All Saints' Church, Hawton |
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All Saints' Church, Hawton
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| Denomination | Church of England |
| Churchmanship | Broad Church |
| History | |
| Dedication | All Saints |
| Administration | |
| Parish | Hawton |
| Diocese | Southwell and Nottingham |
| Province | York |
All Saints' Church in Hawton, Nottinghamshire, is a very old and beautiful church. It's part of the Church of England. This church is so special that it's been given a "Grade I listed" status. This means it's considered a building of amazing historical or architectural importance.
Contents
History of All Saints' Church
This church was built a long, long time ago, during the Middle Ages. The part of the church called the chancel is especially famous. A well-known expert named Nikolaus Pevsner once said it was "one of the most exciting pieces of architecture in the country."
Inside the chancel, you can find two very important stone carvings. On the north side is a medieval Easter Sepulchre. Across from it, on the south side, is the sedilia. The detailed carvings on both of these features are thought to be among the best in all of England.
Experts believe the stonemasons who created these carvings also worked on the choir screen and Chapter House at Southwell Minster.
The Easter Sepulchre Carvings
The Easter Sepulchre is the most famous feature in the church. In the past, it was used to keep the special bread and wine safe between Maundy Thursday and Easter Day. During that time, there would be no regular church service, so the bread and wine were stored here.
The carvings on the Sepulchre tell a story. At the bottom, you can see sleeping Roman soldiers. They are guarding the tomb of Christ. At the very top, there are figures of the apostles looking up to heaven. They are watching Christ's feet as he rises.
In the middle, you can see the risen Christ himself, with his grave clothes draped over his shoulder. Sadly, some of this amazing stonework was damaged a long time ago.
The Sedilia Stone Seats
On the south wall of the chancel, you'll find the beautifully carved sedilia. These are stone seats that were originally made for the clergy (church leaders) during services.
At the very top of the sedilia, there are six saints standing on small figures of people and animals. Angels crown these saints. Below them, there are four female figures. Then you can see St Edward the Martyr, with a bishop on each side. Above them, on the left, is St Peter, and on the right, St Nicholas.
Even further down, there are two men on their hands and knees, gathering grapes among the leaves. You can also spot a pelican in her nest.
Important Memorials
- Sir Robert de Compton, who passed away in 1330, has a memorial here.
A Group of Churches Working Together
All Saints' Church, Hawton, is part of a group of churches called the United Benefice of Farndon with Thorpe and Hawton with Cotham. This means it works together with other churches in the area. These include St. Lawrence's Church, Thorpe, St. Peter's Church, Farndon, and St. Michael's Church, Cotham.
See also
- Grade I listed buildings in Nottinghamshire
- Listed buildings in Hawton
