Church of St John the Evangelist, Elkstone facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Church of St John the Evangelist |
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| Denomination | Church of England |
| Architecture | |
| Heritage designation | Grade I listed building |
| Designated | 12 November 1958 |
| Administration | |
| Benefice | The Churn Valley |
| Diocese | Gloucester |
| Province | Canterbury |
The Church of St John the Evangelist is an old church in a village called Elkstone in Gloucestershire, England. It's a special building that was built way back in the 1100s! It's so important that it's officially protected as a Grade I listed building, which means it's one of the most important historic buildings in the country. This church belongs to the Church of England.
Contents
History of the Church
When Was the Church Built?
The main parts of the church, like the nave (the main open area where people sit) and the chancel (the area near the altar), along with a tower in the middle, were first built around the year 1160.
Changes Over Time
In the 1200s, the original central tower was taken down. The roof was made higher, and a special room called a columbarium or dovecote was added. This dovecote was a place for pigeons to live. Later, in the 1400s, a new, taller tower was built at the west end of the church.
The church is part of a group of churches in the Churn Valley area. This group is looked after by the Diocese of Gloucester.
Modern Updates
In 2017, something new was added to the church: an "eco-loo." This is a special composting toilet that is good for the environment. The Bishop of Tewkesbury officially opened it.
Church Architecture and Design
What Is the Church Made Of?
The Church of St John the Evangelist is built from limestone, a type of stone. Its roofs are made of stone slates. The church has a nave, a Chancel, a porch on the south side, and a tower on the west side. The dovecote (columbarium) has special holes in its north and east walls where pigeons used to nest.
Ancient Stone Carvings
Some parts of the church, like its arches and vaulted ceilings, show amazing examples of Romanesque architecture. This style was popular in Europe from the 6th to the 11th century.
The south doorway of the nave has a special stone carving called a tympanum. This carving is from the Norman period. It shows Jesus sitting on a cushioned throne, holding a book in his left hand and giving a blessing with his right. The arch leading into the chancel also has a beautiful Norman pattern called a chevron pattern, which looks like zigzags.
Bells and Stone Creatures
The church tower holds six bells. The oldest of these bells was made way back in 1657! All around the outside of the church, you can see interesting stone carvings. Some are gargoyles, which are waterspouts shaped like creatures, and others are grotesques, which are decorative carvings of strange or funny figures.
Inside the Church
Inside, the church has old-fashioned box pews, which are like enclosed seating areas. There is also a wooden pulpit, which is a raised platform where the preacher stands. This pulpit is hexagonal (six-sided) and dates from 1609, showing the Jacobean style of that time.
