Church of St Mary Magdalene, Hucknall facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Church of St Mary Magdalene, Hucknall |
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Church of St Mary Magdalene, Hucknall
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| Denomination | Church of England |
| Churchmanship | Broad Church |
| Website | hucknallparishchurch.org.uk |
| History | |
| Dedication | St Mary Magdalene |
| Administration | |
| Diocese | Southwell and Nottingham |
| Province | York |
The Church of St Mary Magdalene in Hucknall, Nottinghamshire, is a special church that belongs to the Church of England. It is named after Mary Magdalene, a friend of Jesus. This church is so important that it is a Grade II* listed building. This means it is a very significant historical place, not just for Hucknall but for the whole country.
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Discovering St Mary Magdalene Church
This beautiful church sits in a quiet churchyard. It looks out over the market place in the middle of Hucknall town. The building itself is very interesting to look at. It was built where an old Saxon church once stood.
A Look at the Church's History
The tall church tower, which you can see from far away, was built over many years. It started in the 1100s and was finished by the 1300s. The church's entrance porch was added in 1320. Back in the Middle Ages, the church was smaller. It had a main hall (nave), a special area for the altar (chancel), a side aisle, and the tower. But in the Victorian times (the late 1800s), the church became much bigger.
Big changes started in 1872 to make the church larger and more beautiful. A new side aisle was added between 1872 and 1874. Then, in 1887 and 1888, two more parts called transepts were built. In 1888, a special area called the Lady Chapel was rebuilt. It shows amazing craftsmanship from the 1800s. The old baptistery, where people were baptized, is now a visitor center. Here you can find displays and information about the church's history. You can also see many cool carvings and wall mosaics around the church.
A Special Stone from Armenia
In 2004, the church received a special gift: a carved stone cross called a Khatchkar. This stone was given to thank the church's leader for his help with Armenia. It was a way to say thank you for the help from British people. Their contributions helped rebuild the Lord Byron School in Gyumri, Armenia. This school had been destroyed by a big earthquake in 1988.
Churches in the Area
St Mary Magdalene Church is part of a group of churches in the area. This group includes:
- Church of St John the Evangelist, Butler's Hill
- Church of St Mary Magdalene, Hucknall
- Church of St Peter and St Paul, Westville
Gallery
Famous Burials at the Church
St Mary Magdalene Church is the traditional burial place for the Byron family. They have a special family vault here.
The Byron Family Vault
Many members of the Byron family are buried here. This includes the famous poet, Lord Byron. His daughter, Ada, Countess of Lovelace, who was a brilliant mathematician, is also buried in the vault. There is a simple memorial inside the church to remember Lord Byron.
Other Notable People Buried Here
Other interesting people buried in or near the church include:
- Ben Caunt (1815–1861), who was a famous boxer.
- Zachariah Green (1817–1897), a kind person who helped many people (a philanthropist).
Beautiful Stained Glass Windows
The church has 25 amazing stained glass windows. Most of these were added in the 1880s by an artist named Charles Eamer Kempe. This church has one of the largest collections of his beautiful stained glass artwork.
The Church Bells
St Mary Magdalene has a set of eight bells that ring together. They were put in place in 1958. There is also a very old Angelus bell from the 1300s. This special bell was given to the church by the poet Lord Byron. It is so old that its weight is unknown, as people are careful not to move it too much.
The Church Clock
A clock was first put in the church tower in 1685. The clock you see today was installed in 1882. It is a mechanical clock with a face on all four sides of the tower. Someone has to wind it up once a week! This clock has three weights. One keeps the time, one makes the chimes ring, and one moves the clock faces. The chimes use the 5th, 6th, and 7th bells.
The Church Organ
The church used to have a pipe organ installed in 1976. This organ was later sold. In 1992, a new electronic organ was put in the church.
Organists of the Church
Over the years, many talented people have played the organ at St Mary Magdalene. One notable organist was Norman Silcock, who played from 1957 to around 1970. He was a blind organist, and his guide dog would often sit quietly behind the organ console during services.
See also
- Grade II* listed buildings in Nottinghamshire
- Listed buildings in Hucknall
