Christ Church, Lichfield facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Christ Church, Lichfield |
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| 52°40′53″N 1°50′27″W / 52.68140°N 1.84074°W | |
| Location | Lichfield, Staffordshire |
| Country | England |
| Denomination | Church of England |
| History | |
| Consecrated | 26 October 1847 |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Active |
| Heritage designation | Grade II* |
| Architect(s) | Thomas Johnson |
| Style | Decorated Gothic Revival |
| Completed | 1847 |
| Administration | |
| Parish | Lichfield |
| Diocese | Lichfield |
| Province | Canterbury |
Christ Church is a special church located in Lichfield, Staffordshire, England. It is found in the Leamonsley area, which is in the southwest part of the city. This church belongs to the Church of England and serves the communities of Leamonsley, Sandfields, and Lower Sandford Street.
The church is a great example of the Decorated Gothic Revival style. This style was popular for churches in the 1800s. Christ Church is a very important building, listed as a Grade II* listed building. This means it has special historical or architectural value. The tombs of the Hinckley family, found behind the church, are also important monuments. They are listed as Grade II. Inside the church, on the ceiling of the chancel, you can see unique paintings. These were made by John D. Batten and are in the Pre-Raphaelite style.
History of Christ Church
Work on Christ Church started in 1844. The church was finished and officially opened in 1847. This was a big deal because it was the first new parish church built in Lichfield since the Middle Ages. A new church was needed because more and more people were moving to the west side of the city.
In 1844, Richard Hinckley, who owned Beacon House, gave the land for the church. The church was built about 500 meters from his home. This meant the Hinckley family could see the church from their house. Richard's wife, Ellen Jane Hinckley, paid for the church to be built. The church was made from local red sandstone. It was designed by Thomas Johnson of Lichfield in the Decorated Gothic Revival style. When it was finished in 1847, it had a chancel, a nave, and a tower at the west end. The tower held a bell made in 1845.
The church was made bigger in 1887. Matthew Holding of Northampton designed these changes. New sections called north and south transepts were added. The north side became a Lady Chapel. The south side got an organ chamber and a special room for the choir. These additions were paid for by S.L. Seckham, who was the new owner of Beacon House, and by donations from the public. The churchyard, which is the area around the church, was also made larger in 1895 and again in 1929.
Special Features of the Church
Christ Church has many interesting parts:
- The screen in front of the chancel was given to the church in 1888. It was a gift from S. L. Seckham's wife.
- In 1897, to celebrate 50 years of the church, special paintings were added to the chancel ceiling. These Pre-Raphaelite panels were painted by John D. Batten. They show figures from the Old Testament and symbols related to the Passion and Eucharist.
- The Sanctuary area was updated in 1906. It received new alabaster decorations and marble flooring. These were designed by George Frederick Bodley.
- A clock was put on the tower in 1913. It was made by A. O. Worthington to remember his wife, Sarah.
- Many of the church's beautiful stained-glass windows are very old. The windows in the north and south chancel, the east transept, and the south nave were made in the 1870s and 1880s. They were designed by Hardman & Co..
- Charles Eamer Kempe designed the glass for the north transept west window in 1894. He also designed the east window in 1920.
- The three tombs of the Hinckley family are located behind the church. They are a Grade II listed monument, meaning they are historically important.
- The Seckham family's gravesite is in a special spot. It is along the east wall at the back of the church.
- There is also a war grave for a World War II Royal Air Force officer.
Christ Church Today
Christ Church is still a very active church in the community. It holds regular Sunday services at 8 AM, 9:30 AM, and 6 PM. The church also has a Sunday school for children. It is available for special events like weddings, baptisms, and funerals.
Right next to the church is Christ Church CE (C) Primary School. This school was started in 1847. It provides education for children from 4 to 11 years old.
See also
- Grade II* listed buildings in Lichfield (district)
- Listed buildings in Lichfield
