Church of St Mary, Hawkesbury facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin |
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| Location | Hawkesbury, South Gloucestershire, England |
| Built | 12th century |
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Listed Building – Grade I
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| Official name: Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin | |
| Designated | 3 March 1961 |
| Reference no. | 1320866 |
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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! This church is so special that it's officially recognized as a Grade I listed building. This means it's one of the most important historic buildings in England, protected for its unique history and beautiful design.
Contents
A Look Back in Time: The Church's Story
How Old Is This Church?
This amazing church was built in the 1100s, which is a really long time ago! But even before that, there was an even older church on this very spot, built by the Saxons. Some of the stones from that ancient Saxon church were even used to build the church we see today. We know that a priest named Wulfstan worked at Hawkesbury in the 11th century.
Changes Over the Centuries
Over the years, the church has been changed and added to. Parts of the building from the 13th century, built in a style called "Early English," are still there. But most of the church was built later, in the 14th and 15th centuries. This later style is known as "Perpendicular Gothic." The tall tower of the church was added in the 15th century.
Between 1882 and 1885, the church had a big makeover. This was part of a trend called "Victorian restoration," where old churches were repaired and updated.
The church is part of the local church area, or "parish," in Badminton. This parish belongs to the Diocese of Gloucester, which is a larger church region.
Exploring the Church's Design
What Is It Made Of?
The Church of St Mary is built from Cotswold stone, a beautiful local stone. It has a long main hall called a nave, which has four sections. Above the nave, there's a row of windows called a clerestory that lets in light. The church also has a special area at the front called the chancel, a side section called a south aisle, and a small chapel. There are even two entrances, or "porches," one on the north side and one on the south.
The Tall Tower and Its Bell
The church has a tall tower on its west side, which has six levels. Strong supports called buttresses help hold it up. Inside the tower, there's a bell that is incredibly old, dating all the way back to the 14th century!
Important Memorials Inside
Inside the chancel, you can find a special memorial for Robert Jenkinson, 2nd Earl of Liverpool. He was a very important person because he 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, also have memorials here.
The Churchyard and Its History
The churchyard, which is the area around the church, is surrounded by old yew trees. There are 170 marked graves in the churchyard. Among them are 87 "chest tombs," which are like stone boxes. One of these tombs is a monument to Thomas Esbury, who passed away in 1766. This monument was created by a skilled craftsman named Thomas Paty.
