Christ Church, Broad Town facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Christ Church |
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"A handsome building"
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 Christ Church
Location in Wiltshire
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| 51°30′10″N 1°52′20″W / 51.5027°N 1.8721°W | |
| Location | Broad Town, Wiltshire, England |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Denomination | Church of England |
| History | |
| Founded | 1844 |
| Architecture | |
| Heritage designation | Grade II |
| Designated | 15 August 1985 |
| Architect(s) | W. Hinton Campbell |
| Style | "Late Commissioners' church" |
| Completed | 1846 |
| Administration | |
| Diocese | Diocese of Salisbury |
Christ Church is a historic church in the village of Broad Town, Wiltshire, England. It was built a long time ago, between 1844 and 1846. This church is still an active place of worship today. It is also recognized as a Grade II listed building, which means it's an important historical structure.
Contents
History of Christ Church
When Was the Church Built?
Historic England tells us that Christ Church was built between 1844 and 1846. A famous expert named Nikolaus Pevsner noted that W. Hinton Campbell was the architect. Pevsner thought the church's details were "quite seriously and generously done."
Who Helped Build It?
The land for the church was given by Horatio Nelson Goddard. Many members of the Goddard family also gave money. A large amount of money came from the Marchioness of Ailesbury.
Repairs and Famous People
In 1937, the church had some repairs. Workers replaced old wood that had problems like dry rot and woodworm.
The well-known cookery writer Jane Grigson is buried in the churchyard. Her husband, Geoffrey Grigson, is also buried there. Christ Church is still an active church and holds regular services for its community.
Architecture and Design
What Does the Church Look Like?
Christ Church is made from ashlar Bath stone. This is a type of finely cut stone. The church has six sections, called bays. It also has a small tower for bells, called a bellcote.
Architectural Style
Pevsner described Christ Church as being in the "lancet style." This means it has tall, narrow windows with pointed tops. Historic England calls it "a handsome building." The church is officially recognized as a Grade II structure.
The Church Parish
How the Parish Started
In 1846, a special area called a chapelry was made for the new church. This area included parts of the nearby parishes of Broad Hinton and Clyffe Pypard. The vicars from those two parishes took turns choosing a perpetual curate to lead services at Christ Church. Broad Town became its own official parish in 1857.
Modern Parish Connections
From 1951 to 1974, Broad Town did not have its own vicar. During this time, it worked closely with St Bartholomew and All Saints Church in Wootton Bassett. Today, the parish of Broad Town is part of a larger group called the Lyneham and Woodhill benefice. This group includes five other nearby parishes.
Church Records
Records from the parish, starting in 1847, are kept at the Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre in Chippenham.
