All Saints Church, Maidstone facts for kids
Quick facts for kids All Saints Church |
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South side of the church
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| Location | Mill Street, Maidstone, Kent ME15 6YE |
| Country | England |
| Denomination | Anglican |
| Website | http://www.maidstoneallsaints.co.uk/ |
| History | |
| Status | Parish church |
| Founded | 1395 |
| Founder(s) | Archbishop William Courtenay |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Active |
| Heritage designation | Grade I |
| Designated | 30 July 1951 |
| Style | Perpendicular |
| Completed | 1396–1398 |
| Specifications | |
| Materials | Rag-stone |
| Bells | 10 (full circle) |
| Tenor bell weight | 32 long cwt 0 qr 20 lb (3,604 lb or 1,635 kg) |
| Administration | |
| Parish | Maidstone, All Saints with St Philip and St Stephen, Tovil |
| Deanery | Maidstone |
| Archdeaconry | Maidstone |
| Diocese | Canterbury |
| Province | Canterbury |
All Saints Church is a very old and important church located in Maidstone, Kent, England. It's considered a "Grade I listed building," which means it's a really special historical place. Many people say it's the most impressive church in Kent built in the "Perpendicular style," a type of English Gothic design.
Contents
History of All Saints Church
How the Church Was Started
All Saints Church was first built in 1395. It was part of a new school and religious community called the College of All Saints. This new church replaced an older one on the same spot that was dedicated to St Mary.
The church was founded by Archbishop of Canterbury William Courtenay. Sadly, Archbishop Courtenay passed away in 1396. His successor, Thomas Arundel, finished building the church and college between 1396 and 1398.
Royal Support for the College
King Richard II helped the college by giving it land and money. This money came from a hospital in Maidstone and from nearby church areas like Linton and Farleigh. The college also gained the right to choose the priests for these areas.
To pay for the building, Archbishop Courtenay got special permission from the Pope. This allowed him to collect a small fee from all church income in his area.
The College Closes Down
In 1546, the college was closed because of a new law called the Chantries Act. At that time, the college's yearly income was worth about £208.
After the college closed, the church became the main church for all of Maidstone. The college's land was given to George Brooke. However, his grandson, Henry Brooke, lost the land in 1603. This happened because he was accused of a serious crime against King James I.
Later, during the time of King Charles I, the college became the property of Sir Edward Henden. Eventually, it was owned by the family of the Earls of Romney.
About the Church Building
The church is located in a small churchyard. The River Medway flows nearby to the west. To the south, you can still see parts of the old college, including its entrance gate. The Archbishop's Palace is to the north-west, and its large barn is to the north-east. The old stone wall around the churchyard and a war memorial are also important historical structures.
Building Materials and Design
The church is built from a type of stone called rag-stone. It features the Perpendicular style, which means it has strong buttresses (supports) on its walls. The top edges of the walls have a crenellated design, like the top of a castle wall.
The church's tower is on the south-west side and stands about 78 feet (24 meters) tall. It used to have a tall, pointed roof called a spire, but lightning destroyed it in 1730.
Inside, the church has a long main area called a nave. It has six sections, with side aisles on both the north and south. Above these aisles, there's a row of windows called a clerestory, which lets in lots of light.
Special Features Inside
On the south side, there is a special chapel. This chapel was originally used by a local group called the Fraternity of Corpus Christi. Inside, you can see a credence table and four-seated Sedilla (seats for priests). These include a monument to John Wotton, who was the first master of the college and died in 1417.
There are also other monuments to important people. These include Archbishop Courtenay and Lawrence Washington, who died in 1619. You can also find memorials for the Astley family. Several important people, including members of the Astley family, are buried inside the church. In the churchyard, you'll find the tomb of William Shipley, who started the Royal Society of Arts.
The font (where baptisms happen) is from the early 1600s. The wooden seats for the choir, called choir stalls, have special carvings underneath called misericords. These are from the medieval period.
Roof, Bells, and Clock
The church's timber roof was replaced in 1886. The new design was created by John Loughborough Pearson, who also designed some screens and the reredos (a decorated screen behind the altar).
The church tower has a set of ten bells. The smallest bell weighs about 5 long tons, and the largest weighs about 32 long tons. These bells are regularly rung by the church's bell ringing group. The church clock was made in 1899 and fixed up in 2007. It plays the famous Westminster chimes every quarter-hour and on the hour.
Today, the building is on the Historic England "Heritage at Risk Register." This means it needs special care to protect its historical importance.
Church Choirs
All Saints Church has both male and female choirs. They are led by the Director of Liturgical Music. The current organist and Director of Liturgical Music is Philip Horley, and Lionel Marchant is also an organist.
See also
- Grade I listed buildings in Maidstone
- List of ecclesiastical restorations and alterations by J. L. Pearson
