Church of St Leonard, Lower Lemington facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Church of St Leonard |
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| Denomination | Church of England |
| Architecture | |
| Heritage designation | Grade I listed building |
| Designated | 25 August 1960 |
| Administration | |
| Parish | Batsford |
| Diocese | Gloucester |
| Province | Canterbury |
The Church of St Leonard is a very old church located in Lower Lemington, a small place in Gloucestershire, England. It's part of the Church of England. This beautiful building was first built way back in the 12th century, which means it's over 800 years old! It's so important that it's officially recognized as a Grade I listed building, meaning it has special historical value.
Contents
A Glimpse into the Past: The Church's Story
How Old Is This Church?
The Church of St Leonard has stood for a very long time. Parts of its main hall, called the nave, were built in the 1100s. This means the church is truly ancient. There might have even been an earlier church on this spot in the 1000s.
The chancel, which is the part of the church near the altar, was built a bit later. It shows a style called Early English Gothic architecture. The church also has a porch (an entrance area) and a vestry (a room for changing robes). These parts were added much later, in the 1800s.
Who Owned the Church?
For many centuries, the Church of St Leonard belonged to Tewkesbury Abbey. This was a large and powerful monastery. However, during a time known as the dissolution of the monasteries, King Henry VIII closed down many monasteries in England. After this, the church no longer belonged to Tewkesbury Abbey.
What Happened During the English Civil War?
The church building faced some tough times. During the English Civil War in the 1600s, the chancel part of the church was damaged. This was a period of fighting between different groups in England.
Today, the church is part of the Moreton-in-Marsh group of churches. This group is within the Diocese of Gloucester, which is a larger administrative area for the Church of England.
Exploring the Church's Design
What Is the Church Made Of?
The Church of St Leonard is built from limestone, a type of stone often found in the Cotswolds. Its roofs are made of stone slates, which are flat pieces of stone. Inside, the floors are made of large, flat stones called flagstones.
The church has several main parts:
- The nave, which is the main area where people sit. It has supports on the outside called buttresses to help hold up the walls.
- The chancel, near the altar.
- The porch, at the entrance.
- The vestry, a smaller room.
Special Features of the Church
Above the chancel roof, there's a small tower called a bellcote. This is where the church bell is kept.
One interesting feature is a 12th-century doorway. It used to be the main entrance to the church from outside. Now, it leads into the vestry.
The church also has beautiful stained glass windows. Some of these were created by an artist named Joseph Edward Nuttgens. Stained glass windows often tell stories from the Bible or show important figures.
Inside the Church: Furnishings and History
Inside, you can find a font from the 12th century. This is a basin used for baptisms, a ceremony where people are welcomed into the Christian faith. It's amazing to think how many people have been baptized using this very old font!
Above the arch that separates the nave from the chancel, you'll see the Coat of arms of George III. This was put there to remember the Battle of Waterloo, a famous battle that happened in 1815. It's a way of connecting the church to important moments in history.
