Church of St Mary, Hawkesbury facts for kids

The Church of St Mary in Hawkesbury, South Gloucestershire, England, is a very old and important building. It was first built way back in the 12th century, which means it's over 800 years old! Because of its history and special design, it's officially recognized as a Grade I listed building. This means it's one of the most important historic buildings in England.

Quick facts for kids Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin
Location	Hawkesbury, South Gloucestershire, England
Built	12th century
Listed Building – Grade I
Official name: Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin
Designated	3 March 1961
Reference no.	1320866
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History of St Mary's Church

This church was built in the 12th century, around the 1100s. Before that, there was an even older Saxon church on the same spot. Some stones from that ancient Saxon church were even used in the building you see today! A priest named Wulfstan worked here in the 11th century.

Parts of the church built in the 13th century still remain. This was during a time called the Early English style. However, most of the church was built later, in the 14th and 15th centuries. This later style is known as Perpendicular Gothic. The tall tower was added in the 15th century.

Between 1882 and 1885, the church had a big makeover. This was part of a common trend called Victorian restoration. W Wood Bethell led this work.

The church is part of the Badminton area's group of churches, known as a benefice. This group belongs to the larger Diocese of Gloucester, which is a church district.

What the Church Looks Like

St Mary's Church is built from beautiful Cotswold stone, which is famous in this part of England. The church has a main open area called a nave with a row of windows high up, called a clerestory. It also has a chancel (the area near the altar) and a south aisle with a chapel. There are entrances on both the north and south sides, called porches.

The tall tower on the west side has six levels. It is supported by strong diagonal buttresses. Inside the tower, there is a bell that has been there since the 14th century!

You can find a special memorial inside the chancel for Robert Jenkinson, 2nd Earl of Liverpool. He was a very important person who served as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1812 to 1827. Many other members of the Jenkinson family, who were important local landowners (called lords of the manor), also have memorials here.

The churchyard, which is the area around the church, is surrounded by old yew trees. There are about 170 marked graves here. Many of these are "chest tombs," which look like stone chests. One of the monuments is for Thomas Esbury, who passed away in 1766. It was made by a sculptor named Thomas Paty.