Church of St Mary, Ampney St Mary facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Church of St Mary |
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| Denomination | Church of England |
| Architecture | |
| Heritage designation | Grade I listed building |
| Designated | 26 November 1958 |
| Administration | |
| Parish | The Ampneys |
| Diocese | Gloucester |
| Province | Canterbury |
The Church of St Mary is a historic building in Ampney St Mary, a small village in Gloucestershire, England. This church was built a very long time ago, in the 12th and 13th centuries. It is so important that it has a special heritage status called a Grade I listed building. This means it's one of the most important historic buildings in England!
Contents
What Makes the Church of St Mary Special?
This church is part of the Church of England. It stands in the beautiful Cotswold District, an area known for its charming villages and old stone buildings. The Church of St Mary is a great example of the history and architecture from many centuries ago.
A Look Back in Time: The Church's History
The oldest part of the church, called the nave, was built in the early 1100s. The nave is the main area where people sit during church services. Later, in the 1200s, the chancel was added. The chancel is the part of the church near the altar, usually where the choir sits.
A Village's Story
Something interesting happened to the village where the church is located. After a terrible sickness spread across Europe in the 1300s, many people left the village. Because of this, the church was not used for a long time, starting in 1879. It was like a forgotten treasure!
But don't worry, the story has a happy ending. In 1913, the church was rediscovered and carefully repaired. This restoration brought it back to life, allowing people to appreciate its history once again.
Amazing Architecture: What the Church Looks Like
The Church of St Mary is made of stone and has a roof covered with slate tiles. On top, there's a small tower called a bellcote, which holds the church bell.
Inside the Church
The walls of the nave are supported by strong stone structures called buttresses. These help the building stand firm. Both the nave and the chancel have special ceilings called wagon roofs. These roofs look like the inside of a covered wagon and were built in the 1300s.
You can also find old wall paintings from the same period inside the church. These paintings offer a glimpse into the art and beliefs of people from hundreds of years ago.
Special Features
Above the main doorway, there's a stone lintel. This is a horizontal stone beam that supports the wall above an opening. This lintel is very special because it has carvings of a lion, a two-headed serpent, and a griffin. These mythical creatures add a touch of ancient mystery to the church.
The church also has a font that is very old. It was made in the Norman style, which was popular in England after the Norman Conquest in 1066. Norman architecture is known for its thick walls and round arches.
