Christ Church, Swindon facts for kids
Christ Church is a beautiful old church located on Cricklade Street in Swindon, Wiltshire, England. It's a very important building, recognized as a Grade II* listed site, which means it's a special building with historical importance that needs to be protected. The church was built a long time ago in 1851. It was designed by a famous architect named George Gilbert Scott.
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A Special Place in Old Town
Christ Church is one of the two most important buildings in the area known as Old Town in Swindon. The other major building nearby is the old town hall, which is just a short walk away. These two buildings have been central to the community for many years.
Modern Updates for an Old Church
Even though Christ Church is old, it has been updated to be more useful today. In 2017, the inside of the church was changed to make it easier for everyone to get around. They also added a new gas heating system to keep it warm and modern LED lights to make it bright. The wooden benches, called pews, were kept but given a clever new system. This allows them to be moved sometimes, creating more space for bigger events and activities.
A Hub for the Community
The land around Christ Church is also home to a modern community center. This center is a busy place where many different events and activities happen. It's a great spot for people in the area to gather, learn, and have fun together.
A Jockey's Resting Place
In the grounds of Christ Church, you can find the grave of a famous Irish jockey named Tommy Cullinan. He lived from 1906 to 1940. Tommy Cullinan was a very talented horse rider. In 1930, he achieved something amazing in horse racing. He became the first jockey to win three major National Hunt races in one season. These races were the Grand National, the Cheltenham Gold Cup, and the Champion Hurdle.
Another Church in the Parish
Christ Church is part of a larger church area called a parish. In this same parish, there is another church called St Mary's. St Mary's is a more modern building, built in the 20th century. It is located on The Mall and is connected to a complex of homes for older people.
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