Church of All Saints, Sawtry facts for kids
The Church of All Saints is a special old building in the village of Sawtry, which is in Huntingdonshire, Cambridgeshire, England. It's so important that it's officially called a Grade II listed building. This means it's protected because of its history and unique architecture. It got this special status on January 28, 1958.
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Church of All Saints
A New Beginning: One Church for Sawtry
Did you know that before 1880, Sawtry used to have two churches? They were called All Saints' and St Andrew's. But in 1880, both of these older churches were taken down. Their materials, like stones and wood, were then used to build the new Church of All Saints we see today. This new church was officially opened and blessed on September 14, 1880. The important ceremony was led by the Bishop of Ely.
What Does the Church Look Like?
The Church of All Saints was designed by a famous architect named Arthur Blomfield. He created it in a style called "Early Decorated." This is a type of English Gothic architecture that was popular a long time ago.
Inside the Church
The church has two main parts:
- The chancel is the area near the altar, usually where the choir sits.
- The nave is the main part of the church where the congregation (the people attending) sits.
Special Features
- The Bell: High up in a western turret, there's a single bell. This bell is very old and used to belong to Sawtry Abbey, which was a monastery many centuries ago.
- Ancient Brass: Inside the church, you can find a special brass artwork. It shows three figures and is dated April 1404, making it over 600 years old!
- Stained Glass: The chancel also features a beautiful stained glass window, which lets colorful light into the church.
Church Records
Churches often keep important records of events like births, marriages, and deaths. The records for the Church of All Saints go all the way back to the year 1591. The records for the older St Andrew's church start from 1662. These old books are like historical diaries for the village!
The War Memorial
As you enter the churchyard, if you look to your left, you will see the War Memorial. This monument remembers local people who bravely served and sacrificed their lives in wars.
