All Saints Church, Wyke Regis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids All Saints Church |
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| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Church of England |
| Ecclesiastical or organizational status | Active |
| Year consecrated | 1455 |
| Location | |
| Location | Wyke Regis, Dorset, England |
| Architecture | |
| Architectural type | Church |
All Saints Church is a very old church in Wyke Regis, England. It belongs to the Church of England. Most of the church was built in the 1400s, making it over 500 years old! It's made mostly from strong Portland stone. Experts say it's a great example of 15th-century design because it hasn't changed much. Since 1953, it has been a Grade I listed building, which means it's a very important historical site. Across the road from the church, you can see the Wyke Regis War Memorial. This memorial was put up in 1919 to remember those who served.
History of All Saints Church
A church has stood on this spot since at least 1172. The current All Saints Church was finished in 1455. It was officially blessed and opened on October 19 of that year. For a long time, All Saints was the main church for the town of Weymouth. As Weymouth grew, new churches were built. These included Holy Trinity Church and St Paul's Church.
A Landmark for Sailors
The church tower stands tall, looking out over the Isle of Portland and Chesil Beach. In the past, when ships used sails, the tower was a very important landmark. Sailors used it to help them find their way.
The churchyard is also a burial place for many people. Around eighty people who died on a ship called the Earl of Abergavenny are buried here. This ship sank in Weymouth Bay in 1805. The captain, John Wordsworth, was the brother of the famous poet William Wordsworth. Bodies from another ship, the Alexander, which sank in 1815, are also buried in the churchyard.
Church Improvements Over Time
In 1859, the church got new wooden seats, called pews. A new pulpit and reading desk were also added. The church's old gallery was removed, and the organ was moved to a platform under the tower. These improvements cost about £500 at the time. The church reopened on December 11, 1859. Important church leaders, like the Bishop of Salisbury, spoke at the reopening services.
Later, in 1896, a special gate called a lych gate was added to the churchyard. This gate was built by Mr. J. Bishop, following designs by George Fellowes Prynne.
