Church of St Mary, Bitterley facts for kids
The Church of St Mary is a very old and important church located in Bitterley, a village in Shropshire, England. It was built a long, long time ago, starting in the 12th century, and has been changed and added to over the years. Because it's so old and special, it's officially recognized as a Grade II* listed building, which means it's a building of great historical interest.
Contents
History of St Mary's Church
This church was first built way back in the 1100s and 1200s. Some changes were made in the 1600s. A man named Littleton Powys was a big supporter of the church. In 1707, he helped set up a special viewing area called a gallery at the back of the church. He was later buried there when he passed away in 1732.
The church was carefully repaired and updated in the late 1800s. On November 12, 1954, the church was officially named a Grade II* listed building. This means it's a very important historical site. On the same day, a stone cross in the churchyard was also listed, but as a Grade I building, which is an even higher level of importance!
Inside the Church: Architecture and Fittings
The Church of St Mary has a main open area without any side sections. The front part of the church, called the chancel, is separated from the main area by a beautiful oak screen. This screen has fancy carvings that look like four-leaf clover shapes. There are also designs of leaves and other decorations at the top.
At the back of the church, there is a gallery, which is like a balcony. The ceiling of the church is plain and smooth. Near the south door, you'll find a very old stone font, which is a basin used for baptisms. The pulpit, where the priest gives sermons, is made of carved oak.
The main part of the church is 59.5 feet (18.1 m) long and 22 feet (6.7 m) wide. The chancel is 33.5 feet (10.2 m) long and 22 feet (6.7 m) wide. The church tower is 44.25 feet (13.49 m) tall and 14 feet (4.3 m) wide. It holds three bells!
War Memorials
Inside the church, there are special memorials to remember local people who served in wars. There's a beautiful stained glass window with two Roman soldiers. This window was put there by John and Mary Burton to remember the men from the area who died in the First World War. Below the window, a stone plaque lists their names. Another plaque lists those who died in the Second World War.
To the right of the window, you'll see a plaque for Captain John Henry Walcot of the King's Shropshire Light Infantry. He was sadly killed near Dunkirk in 1940. On the north wall, there's also a wooden cross. This cross came from the battlefield grave of Lieutenant-Colonel Philip Vaughan Holberton, who was part of the Lancashire Fusiliers. He was killed in France in 1918. These memorials help us remember the bravery and sacrifice of these individuals.
The Church Grounds
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In the churchyard, you'll find a tall stone cross. It stands on steps and has a six-sided pillar. At the very top, there are small carved sections with figures inside. On the north side, you can see the Virgin Mary and baby Christ. On the west side, there is a carving of the Crucifixion. The carvings on the east and south sides are very old and hard to see now.
The churchyard is also home to eight war graves. These are the burial places of British servicemen. Four of them are from World War I, and four are from World War II. Two of the soldiers buried there were brothers.
See also
- Grade II* listed buildings in Shropshire Council (A–G)
- Listed buildings in Bitterley
