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 beautiful old church located in Lichfield, Staffordshire, in the United Kingdom. It's found in an area called Leamonsley, in the southwest part of the city. This church belongs to the Church of England and serves the local communities of Leamonsley, Sandfields, and Lower Sandford Street.
It's a great example of the Decorated Gothic Revival style, which was popular for church buildings in the 1800s. Christ Church is a special building, listed as Grade II*, meaning it's very important. Even the tombs of the Hinckley family behind the church are listed as Grade II monuments! Inside, the ceiling of the chancel (the area near the altar) has unique paintings by John D. Batten, done in the Pre-Raphaelite style.
History of Christ Church
Building work on Christ Church began in 1844. It was finished and officially opened in 1847. This church was the first new parish church built in Lichfield since medieval times. A new church was needed because the population in the west of the city was growing.
In 1844, Richard Hinckley, who owned Beacon House and its surrounding land, donated a large piece of land for the church. The church was built about 500 meters south of Beacon House. This meant the Hinckley family could see the church from their home. The money to build the church was provided by Ellen Jane Hinckley, Richard Hinckley's wife.
The church was built using local red sandstone. It followed the Decorated Gothic Revival style, designed by Thomas Johnson from Lichfield. When it was completed in 1847, it had a chancel, a nave (the main part of the church), and a west tower. This tower held a bell that was made in 1845 by C. G. Mears of London.
In 1887, the church was made larger by Matthew Holding of Northampton. New sections called north and south transepts and bays were added. The north side got a Lady Chapel, and the south side gained an organ chamber and a choir vestry. These additions were paid for partly by S.L. Seckham, the new owner of Beacon House, and partly by donations from the public. The churchyard, which is the burial ground, was also made bigger in 1895 and again in 1929.
Special Features of the Church
Christ Church has many interesting features:
- The chancel screen, which separates the chancel from the nave, was given to the church in 1888 by S. L. Seckham's wife.
- In 1897, to celebrate 50 years of the church, special Pre-Raphaelite paintings by John D. Batten were placed on the chancel ceiling. These paintings show figures from the Old Testament and symbols related to the Passion and Eucharist.
- The Sanctuary, the area around the altar, was updated in 1906. It received beautiful alabaster reredos (decorated screens behind the altar) and marble flooring, 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 stained glass windows, including those in the north and south chancel, the transept east window, and the nave south window, were made in the 1870s and 1880s by Hardman & Co..
- Charles Eamer Kempe designed the stained glass for the north transept west window in 1894 and the east window in 1920.
- The three tombs of the Hinckley family are located at the back of the church. They are recognized as a Grade II listed monument.
- The gravesite of the Seckham family is in a special spot 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 an active parish church in the community. It holds regular Sunday services at 8am, 9:30am, and 6pm. 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 and provides education for children aged 4 to 11 years old.
See also
- Grade II* listed buildings in Lichfield (district)
- Listed buildings in Lichfield
