Church of St Mary, Edgeworth 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 | |
| Benefice | Ermin West |
| Diocese | Gloucester |
| Province | Canterbury |
The Church of St Mary is an old church located in Edgeworth, a village in the Cotswold District of Gloucestershire, England. It belongs to the Church of England. This historic building was first built in the 11th century. It is considered a very important building and is listed as a Grade I listed building. This means it has special historical or architectural value.
Contents
History of the Church
The Church of St Mary has a long and interesting history.
How the Church Grew Over Time
The church building started as a Saxon structure. Saxon architecture refers to buildings made in England before the Norman Conquest in 1066. Over many years, the church was changed and made bigger. For example, in the 12th century, a part called the chancel was added. The chancel is the area around the altar, usually at the east end of the church. Later, in the 14th century, the church tower was built.
Changes in Victorian Times
During the Victorian era (the 1800s), the church went through a big "restoration." This means parts of the church were repaired and updated. However, some of the older Romanesque features inside the church were removed during this time. Romanesque architecture was popular in Europe from the 10th to the 12th centuries, known for its thick walls and round arches.
Bats Living in the Church
Interestingly, different kinds of bats have been found living inside the Church of St Mary. Churches often provide safe and quiet places for bats to roost.
Architecture of St Mary's Church
The Church of St Mary is built from limestone, a type of rock often used for buildings. Its roofs are made of stone slates.
Parts of the Church Building
The church has several main parts:
- The nave is the main area where people sit during services.
- The chancel is the part near the altar.
- There is a south porch, which is an entrance area on the south side.
- A tall west tower stands at the western end of the church.
Special Features of the Tower
The tower has a sundial, which is an old device that tells time by the shadow of the sun. You can also see many gargoyles and grotesques on the tower. Gargoyles are carved stone figures, often shaped like monsters, that also act as waterspouts to drain water from the roof. Grotesques are similar carvings but do not have a waterspout function.
Inside the Church
Most of the furniture and fittings inside the church are from the 19th century. However, some older pieces still remain. There is a font from the 15th century. A font is a basin used for baptisms. Also, some of the ends of the church benches, called "bench ends," are from the 15th century. You can also find small pieces of stained glass from the 14th century, which are colorful windows made from many small pieces of glass.
