Church of St Editha, Tamworth facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Church of St Editha |
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St Editha's Church
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| 52°38′03″N 1°41′39″W / 52.6342°N 1.6943°W | |
| Denomination | Church of England |
| Website | http://parishoftamworth.org/ |
| History | |
| Dedication | Saint Editha |
| Administration | |
| Diocese | Diocese of Lichfield |
| Province | Canterbury |
The Church of St Editha is a very old and important church in Tamworth, England. It's a Church of England church and is considered a 'Grade I listed building'. This means it's a really special historic place.
Contents
History of St Editha's Church
The Church of St Editha is the biggest local church in Staffordshire. Most of it was built a long time ago, in the 1300s and 1400s. Some parts were added later in the 1800s.
Early Churches and Destruction
The church you see today stands where other churches have been since the 700s. The first church was destroyed in 874 by the Danes, who also ruined the town. Later, around 913, Æthelflæd, a powerful Anglo-Saxon ruler, built a second church.
Sadly, the Danes destroyed this second church in 943. Around 963, King Edgar helped build a third church. This church was dedicated to Saint Editha. She was probably King Edgar's aunt. She lived a very religious life and was made a saint after she died in the 960s.
The Fourth Church and Rebuilding
In 1345, a big fire destroyed both the town and the church. This led to the building of the fourth and current church. Work started in 1350 and finished in 1369. This amazing building is a tribute to Dean Baldwin de Witney, who was in charge of rebuilding and making the church bigger.
For a long time, St Editha's was a "collegiate church." This meant it had a group of priests called canons who lived and worked together. The king usually chose these priests.
Becoming a Parish Church
In 1548, during a time called the Dissolution of the Monasteries, the college of canons was closed down. After that, St Editha's became the main church for the people of Tamworth. It has been a parish church ever since.
Famous Connections and Unique Features
A brave soldier named Samuel Parkes was baptised here in 1815. He won the Victoria Cross, which is a very high award for bravery. He earned it during the Charge of the Light Brigade for saving a friend's life. His parents are buried in the churchyard.
The church was also carefully repaired and updated in the 1850s and 1870s by famous architects like Benjamin Ferrey and George Gilbert Scott.
One very special thing about St Editha's is its tower. It has a rare double spiral staircase. This means there are two separate staircases winding around each other in the same space! There are only a few others like it in the world.
Beautiful Stained Glass
The church has some beautiful stained glass windows. You can find very old pieces in the vestry window. The big window in the main part of the church, called the chancel, was made in 1870 by William Wailes.
Some other windows were made in 1873 by Ford Madox Brown for a famous company called Morris & Co. The window in the chapel was made in 1874 by Edward Burne-Jones, also for Morris & Co. These artists were very well-known for their beautiful designs.
The Church Organ
St Editha's Church has a historic pipe organ. The first organ was put in way back in 1766. Over the years, different organ builders added to it and improved it.
In 1792, Samuel Green built a new organ. Later, in 1809, Alexander Buckingham added more parts. In 1841, William Hill added pedals.
A completely new organ was built in 1927 by Harrison and Harrison. This new organ used many pipes from the older instruments. The organ was carefully restored again in 2016 and 2017.
A Famous Assistant Organist
In 1929, a 13-year-old boy named Ernest Titterton became the assistant organist here. He later became a very important scientist. He helped develop the atomic bomb!
Images for kids
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Tomb of Sir Thomas Ferrers and his wife Ann
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The church is shown in this brick mural on the pavement nearby.
See also
- Edith of Polesworth
- Dissolution of the Monasteries
- Grade I listed buildings in Staffordshire
- Grade I listed churches in Staffordshire
- Listed buildings in Tamworth, Staffordshire
