Church of St James, Antony facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Church of St James |
|
---|---|
![]() Church Tower
|
|
Location | Antony, Cornwall |
Country | England |
Denomination | Church of England |
History | |
Dedication | St James |
Dedicated | 1259 |
Administration | |
Parish | Antony |
The Church of St James is a very old church in Antony, Cornwall, England. It's a special building because it's been around since the 12th century! This means it's over 800 years old. It's also a Grade I listed building, which is like saying it's one of the most important historic buildings in the country. People who follow the Church of England worship here.
Contents
A Look Back: The Church's Story
The Church of St James is found in the village of Antony. It's named after a saint called St James. Different parts of the church were built at different times. Some parts, like the main hall (called the nave) and the area near the altar (called the chancel), are from the 13th century. These old parts include special stone seats (a sedilia) and a small basin (a piscina) used for church services.
How the Church Grew Over Time
The tall tower of the church was built in the 14th century. The side sections, known as aisles, were added in the 15th century. This shows how the church grew bigger over hundreds of years.
In 1968, the Church of St James was added to the National Heritage List for England. This list helps protect important historic buildings. The church is part of a larger group of churches in the area, including those in Saint Germans and Sheviock. They all belong to the Diocese of Truro.
Exploring the Church's Design
The Church of St James is made from sandstone, which is a type of rock. It has special granite decorations and roofs made of slate.
Key Features of the Church Building
The church's tower has two main sections. It has strong supports called buttresses that lean against the walls. At the top, there's a low wall called a parapet. You can also see openings for bells and a wooden clock from 1810.
Inside, the church has a south aisle with five sections and a north aisle with six sections. On the floor, there's a square sundial that is about 1.5 meters (about 5 feet) on each side.
Treasures Inside the Church
The church holds many interesting things. You can find memorials to the Carew family of Antony, who were important people in the 18th century. There's also a large metal plaque (a monumental brass) for Margery Arundell from 1420.
The pulpit, where the priest gives sermons, is from around the year 1500. It has panels that look like they might be Spanish artwork. One of the fonts, used for baptisms, is from the 15th century. A wooden chest from the 16th century is used as the altar.
The beautiful stained glass windows show colorful pictures. Some of these were made by famous artists like Clayton and Bell and Charles Eamer Kempe. The church also has monuments to members of the Carew family, including a well-known writer named Richard Carew.
A Special Grave in the Churchyard
In the churchyard, you can find the grave of Henry Cooper. He passed away in 1893. Henry Cooper was a very brave soldier who received the Victoria Cross. This is the highest award for bravery in the British military. He earned it for his actions during the Crimean War.