Church of St Helen, St Helen Auckland facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Church of St Helen, St Helen Auckland |
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The church and graveyard
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| 54°38′09″N 1°42′35″W / 54.63574°N 1.70977°W | |
| Location | Manor Road, St Helen Auckland, County Durham, DL14 9EN |
| Country | England |
| Denomination | Church of England |
| Churchmanship | Traditional Catholic |
| Website | http://www.sthelenschurch.co.uk/ |
| History | |
| Status | Active |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Parish church |
| Heritage designation | Grade I listed |
| Specifications | |
| Bells | Two |
| Administration | |
| Parish | St. Helen Auckland |
| Deanery | Auckland |
| Archdeaconry | Archdeaconry of Auckland |
| Diocese | Diocese of Durham |
The Church of St Helen is a Church of England church. It is located in St Helen Auckland, County Durham, England. This church is a very important building. It is listed as a Grade I listed building. This means it has special historical value.
Contents
A Look at History
The Church of St Helen is very old. It was first built a long time ago, between the late 1100s and early 1200s. The oldest parts of the church are from around 1120. These parts are the two sections at the eastern end of the main hall, called the nave.
Changes Over Time
The church has changed quite a bit over the centuries. In the 1400s, a new, flatter roof was added. Then, around the 1500s, more parts were built. These included a clerestory, which is a row of windows high up on the walls. They also added battlements, which are like decorative walls on the roof.
One very special thing about the church is its original door. It is still there today! People say it is one of the oldest doors in all of England.
Becoming a Listed Building
Because of its age and importance, the church was given a special status. On April 21, 1952, it was officially named a Grade I listed building. This helps protect it for future generations.
Recent Updates
In 2001, the church had a big restoration project. This means it was carefully repaired and updated. Workers renewed the floor and replaced the old, fixed benches with new ones that could be moved. They also cleaned the walls with a special paint called limewash. The stone walls were also repaired. This restoration cost about £170,000.
The Church Today
The Church of St Helen is an active parish church. It is part of the Church of England. The church belongs to the Archdeaconry of Auckland and the Diocese of Durham.
Church Traditions
The church follows a style called Anglo-Catholicism. This is a traditional way of worship within the Church of England. Because of some beliefs, like not having women as priests, the church gets special support. This support comes from the Bishop of Beverley, who is currently Stephen Race. The church is also connected with a group called The Society.
Gallery
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Noticeboard outside the church
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The main entrance to the church
