Church of St Mary Steps, Exeter facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Mary Steps, Exeter |
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| Parish Church of St Mary Steps | |
Church Front
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 St Mary Steps, Exeter
Location in Exeter
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| 50°43′12″N 3°32′05″W / 50.719919°N 3.534689°W | |
| Location | Exeter |
| Country | England |
| Denomination | Church of England |
| Architecture | |
| Heritage designation | Grade I Listed |
| Designated | 29 January 1953 |
| Administration | |
| Parish | St Mary Steps, Exeter |
| Benefice | Heavitree and St Mary Steps |
| Deanery | Christianity |
| Archdeaconry | Exeter |
| Diocese | Exeter |
| Province | Canterbury |
The Church of St Mary Steps is a very old and important church located in the city of Exeter, England. It is known as a Grade I Listed building, which means it is a special historical site protected by law.
A Look Back: History of the Church
This church has been around for a very long time! It was first built around the year 1150. That's almost 900 years ago! Later, in the 1400s, it was rebuilt to look more like it does today.
For many years, the church stood right next to the west gate of Exeter city. Imagine it as one of the first buildings you would see when entering the city.
In the late 1800s, a skilled architect named Edward Ashworth helped to fix up and improve the church. This made sure it stayed strong and beautiful for many more years.
The House That Moved
Something really cool happened near the church in 1961. A whole house, known as The House That Moved, was picked up and moved to a spot right across from St Mary Steps Church! This was a huge engineering feat and is still a famous story in Exeter.
The Famous Clock
One of the most interesting things about St Mary Steps Church is its unique clock. This clock has special figures that move when it strikes the hour. These figures are known as Matthew the Miller and his two sons. They are a fun and historic part of the church's charm.
Church Community
The Church of St Mary Steps is part of a larger group of churches called the Benefice of Heavitree and St Mary Steps. This means it works together with other local churches to serve the community.
