Church of St John the Baptist, Burford facts for kids
| Church of St John the Baptist | |
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| Country | England |
|---|---|
| Denomination | Church of England |
| Previous denomination | Roman Catholic |
Quick facts for kids History |
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| Status | Active |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Parish church |
| Heritage designation | Grade I listed |
| Designated | 12 September 1955 |
| Years built | 11th–15th centuries |
| Administration | |
| Benefice | Burford |
| Diocese | Diocese of Oxford |
The Church of St John the Baptist is a very old and important church in Burford, Oxfordshire, England. It is a "Grade I listed building," which means it is a special historic place. This church is part of the Church of England. It is famous for its beautiful design and interesting stories from history. The church is named after John the Baptist.
Contents
History of the Church
When was the Church of St John the Baptist built?
The building of the church started in the 1100s. Most of what you see today was finished by the 1400s. It was built as a "Wool church." This means rich wool merchants helped pay for it. They wanted to show off their wealth and faith.
What happened during the English Civil War?
In 1649, during the English Civil War, some soldiers were held prisoner here. These soldiers were called "Levellers." They were part of the New Model Army and had protested against their leaders. They were locked inside the church.
How was the church restored?
In the 1870s, the church was fixed up a lot. This was called a "Victorian restoration." A famous architect named George Edmund Street led the work. This restoration was so big that it made William Morris start a group. This group was called the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings. They wanted to make sure old buildings were cared for properly. The restoration added a new tiled floor to the church.
The church is still an active parish church today. It is part of the Diocese of Oxford.
Architecture and Design
What does the church look like?
The church is made of stone and has a cross shape. This is called a "cruciform" plan. It has a main area called the nave with chapels on both sides. The tower and spire are in the middle of the church.
What can you see inside?
Inside, you can see a pulpit where sermons are given. This pulpit was also restored in 1870. There are many old tombs and memorials inside. Many of the beautiful stained glass windows were made by Charles Eamer Kempe.
Are there any special memorials?
Yes, two memorials are very interesting:
- One is for Christopher Kempster, who died in 1715. He was a local quarry-man. He was highly respected by Sir Christopher Wren, who hired him to work on St Paul's Cathedral.
- Another important memorial is from around 1569. It is for Edmund Harman, who was a barber-surgeon to King Henry VIII. This memorial is special because it has carvings of South American Indians.
- In the old Gild Chapel, you can find the tombs of the Sylvester family.
