Christ Church, Freemantle facts for kids
Christ Church is a special church building in Freemantle, a part of Southampton. It serves as the main church for the local community. This historic building is considered important enough to be "grade II listed," which means it's protected because of its special history and architecture.
The Story of Christ Church
The idea for a church in Freemantle began in 1856. People first met for church services in a house, then later in school rooms. This showed there was a need for a proper church building.
The first step towards building the church happened on July 25, 1861. A special foundation stone was laid by Archdeacon Jacob, an important church leader. The main part of the church was built between 1865 and 1866. William White was the architect who designed it.
The church was built using strong stones like Purbeck rubble and ashlar. Its windows were decorated with red bricks. On July 27, 1865, the church was officially opened and blessed by Dr. Sumner, who was the Bishop of Winchester.
A big change happened on April 19, 1866. The church leaders decided that Freemantle would become its own separate church area, called a parish. Before this, it was part of a nearby area called Millbrook. From then on, it was known as the Parish of Christ Church, Freemantle. A few years later, in 1875, the tall tower and spire were added to the church, making it look even more impressive.
What the Church Looks Like
Christ Church is built from strong, beautiful stones. These include Purbeck rubble and ashlar, which are types of cut stone. Red bricks are used to frame the windows, adding a touch of color.
The church has a main open area called a nave. Above the nave, there's a row of windows called a clerestory, which lets in extra light. There are also smaller chapels on the north and south sides of the church. A porch on the south side provides an entrance.
The tall tower is located on the west side of the building. It has a pointed roof called a broached spire. This spire was added about ten years after the main church building was finished. Inside, there's a wide arch leading to the chancel, which is the area near the altar. The windows are designed in a "geometrical style," meaning they have patterns made of simple shapes.
