Church of St Mary and St Thomas, Knebworth facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Church of St Mary and St Thomas, Knebworth |
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The northern side of the church looking towards the tower
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| Location | Knebworth Park, Knebworth, Hertfordshire, SG3 6PY |
| Country | England |
| Denomination | Church of England |
| History | |
| Status | Active |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Parish church |
| Heritage designation | Grade I listed |
| Designated | 27 May 1968 |
| Specifications | |
| Bells | 8 |
| Administration | |
| Parish | Knebworth |
| Deanery | Stevenage |
| Archdeaconry | Hertford |
| Diocese | St Albans |
| Province | Canterbury |
The Church of St Mary and St Thomas is an old and important church in Knebworth, Hertfordshire, England. It's one of two churches for the Church of England in the area. This church was built way back in the 1100s, which makes it very old! It's also a grade I listed building, meaning it's a special historical place.
Contents
History of the Church
Where the Church Stands
The Church of St Mary and St Thomas is located in a churchyard. This churchyard is surrounded by beautiful parkland. Like many old churches built by the Normans, this one sits on a hill.
Experts have found signs of an early village near the church and Knebworth House. It's thought that this village was left empty around the year 1300. This happened when the large park around Knebworth House was created.
In 1914, a new church called St Martin's was started. This new church was built to serve the growing town of Knebworth. However, St Mary and St Thomas has continued to be used for services.
Church Design and Features
The outside of the church might not look very fancy, according to some experts. But it has a very noticeable tower from the 1400s. On top of the tower is a short, pointed roof called a "Hertfordshire spike". This type of roof is common in this part of England.
Inside the church, one interesting feature is the Norman chancel arch. This arch shows the old building style from the Norman period.
Special Memorials
The church holds memorials for the Lytton family. This family used to live at Knebworth House. Before the Lytton Mausoleum was built in Knebworth Park, the Lytton family used a special chapel in the church. This chapel is on the north side of the church. It was rebuilt around 1710. It holds three very beautiful monuments dedicated to members of the Lytton family.
The churchyard also has several war graves. These are places where soldiers who died in wars are buried. There is also a special tomb designed by a famous architect named Edwin Lutyens.
Protecting the Church
The Church of St Mary and St Thomas is a very important historical building. On May 27, 1968, it was officially named a grade I listed building. This means it's one of the most important historical buildings in England.
The church is also part of the Old Knebworth Conservation Area. This area is protected to keep its historical look and feel.
The Church Today
Saints Mary and Thomas is part of the parish of Knebworth. It belongs to the Archdeaconry of Hertford within the Diocese of St Albans.
The church often uses a more traditional style of worship. This means its services follow the Book of Common Prayer.
See also
