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 Cambridgeshire, England. It's so important that it's officially recognized as a Grade II listed building. This means it's protected because of its history and unique design. It got this special status on January 28, 1958.
Contents
A New Beginning: The Church's History
How the Church Was Built
Before 1880, Sawtry actually had two churches: All Saints' and St Andrew's. But in 1880, both of these older churches were taken down. The materials from them were then used to build the new Church of All Saints that stands today. This new church was officially opened and blessed on September 14, 1880, by the Bishop of Ely.
Exploring the Church's Design
What Style Is It?
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 Gothic architecture that was popular a long time ago.
Inside the Church
The church has two main parts: the chancel and the nave. The chancel is usually where the altar is, and the nave is the main area where people sit. There's also a small tower, called a western turret, which holds one bell. This bell is very old and used to belong to Sawtry Abbey.
Inside the church, you can find a special brass plaque with three figures on it. It's dated April 1404, which makes it very old! There's also a beautiful stained-glass window in the chancel.
Records and Memorials
The church keeps important records called registers. The register for All Saints' Church goes all the way back to the year 1591. The register for the old St Andrew's Church started in 1662. As you walk into the churchyard, you'll see the War Memorial on your left. It's there to remember people from the village who served in wars.
