All Saints Church, Narborough facts for kids
Quick facts for kids All Saints' Church, Narborough |
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Denomination | Church of England |
Churchmanship | High Church |
History | |
Dedication | All Saints |
Administration | |
Parish | Narborough |
Diocese | Leicester |
Province | Canterbury |
All Saints' Church, Narborough is a local church in Narborough, Leicestershire. It is part of the Church of England. This church serves the community of Narborough.
Contents
Discovering All Saints' Church
All Saints' Church in Narborough has a long and interesting past. The building you see today was mostly built in the 1200s. However, it's possible that an even older church stood here before that time. Some people think there might have been a church on this spot as far back as the 900s!
Ancient Discoveries at the Church
Near the church, a special old tombstone was found. It is called a hogback stone. This type of stone looks a bit like a pig's back or a small house. It was made by the Saxons, who lived in England a very long time ago. You can see this unique stone today at the Jewry Wall Museum in Leicester.
How the Church Changed Over Time
The church building was greatly updated between 1856 and 1883. During this time, many parts were rebuilt or improved.
The church has several important areas:
- Aisles: These are the side sections of the church.
- Nave: This is the main part of the church where people sit. All Saints' has a large nave with six sections.
- Chancel: This is the area near the altar, rebuilt in 1883 by F. Bacon.
- North Vestry: A room often used for changing robes or storing church items.
- West Tower: This tower holds a set of six bells that can be rung.
Inside the church, you can see beautiful features. Behind the altar, there is an ornate screen called a reredos. The whole chancel area is very decorative.
Special Stained Glass Window
In the north aisle, there is a stunning stained glass window. It shows the Ascension, which is a religious scene. This window was made in 1929 by an artist named Theodora Salusbury. If you look closely at this window, you might spot something unusual: two fish are cleverly hidden within the folds of the robes!
Family Memorials and Old Features
The church also has several memorials and windows dedicated to the Everard family. These remember important people from the past.
The main entrance, called the south porch, was rebuilt in 1860. It cost £60 at the time. The church's font, which is used for baptisms, is very old. It dates back to the 1200s and has interesting carved designs. You can also find special stone seats called sedilia and a basin called a piscina in the southern aisle. These were used during church services long ago.
The churchyard around All Saints' is no longer used for new burials. Instead, burials now happen in the cemetery next door. However, there is one interesting old gravestone in the churchyard. It belongs to Harry Baker, who died in 1901 at age 49 after being "thrown from a trap" (a type of horse-drawn carriage).
All Saints' Church Today
All Saints' Church is an active part of the community. It belongs to the Diocese of Leicester. The church holds weekly Sunday services and other events throughout the year. One popular event is the yearly Christmas Tree Festival.
The church is usually locked when there are no services. However, it often holds special open days and events where visitors can come inside and explore.
Church's Special Status
All Saints' Church is recognized as a Grade II* listed building. This means it is a very important historical building in England. It has special architectural or historical interest and is protected by law.