Church of St Mary the Virgin, Bury facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin, Bury |
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Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin, Bury
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| OS grid reference | SD 80433 10863 |
| Location | The Rock, Bury, Greater Manchester |
| Country | England |
| Denomination | Anglican |
| Website | Bury Parish Church |
| History | |
| Status | Parish church |
| Founded | 971 CE |
| Dedication | Virgin Mary |
| Consecrated | Candlemas 1876 |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Active |
| Heritage designation | Grade I |
| Designated | 13 July 2006 |
| Architect(s) | J. S. Crowther (1870 rebuild) |
| Architectural type | Church |
| Completed | 1876 |
| Specifications | |
| Length | 141 feet (43.0 m) |
| Nave width | 30 feet (9.1 m) |
| Height | 76 feet (23.2 m) |
| Materials | Dressed stone exterior partially lined in brick Slate roof |
| Bells | Eight |
| Administration | |
| Deanery | Bury |
| Archdeaconry | Bolton |
| Diocese | Manchester |
| Province | York |
The Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin is a historic church in Bury, Greater Manchester, England. You can find it at the highest point in the town centre. It's easy to get to, just a short walk from the bus and tram station, and close to shopping areas like the Millgate Shopping Centre.
The main part of the church was finished on February 2, 1876. However, its tall tower, called a steeple, is even older, dating back to 1842. This church is very important and is listed as a Grade I building on the National Heritage List for England. This means it's a building of special architectural or historic interest.
The church also has a special connection to the military. It is a regimental church for the Lancashire Fusiliers. This means it holds special services for soldiers, especially on days like Remembrance Sunday and Gallipoli Sunday.
Contents
History of the Church
When Was the First Church Built?
Church records tell us that the very first church on this spot was built in 971 A.D. This was around the time King Edgar of England started forming parishes, which are church districts. This first church was probably made of wood and thatch, a type of straw roof.
Changes Over the Centuries
Churches made of wood were likely used here for a long time. Then, a new church in the Gothic style was finished in 1585. This style is known for its pointed arches and tall windows.
Between 1773 and 1780, most of this Gothic church was taken down and rebuilt. Only the spire, the very top part of the tower, was left from the original building.
The Modern Church Building
The spire was replaced in 1842. But by 1870, the wood in the rest of the church had rotted, and a brand new building was needed. The famous architect J. S. Crowther designed this new church. He kept the 1842 spire in place. The new church officially opened on Candlemas Day in 1876.
In July 2013, the church held a large military funeral for a British soldier. Thousands of people attended the service, including the Prime Minister at the time, David Cameron.
What Does the Church Look Like?
The church building is made of dressed stone, which means the stones are carefully cut and shaped. It has slate roofs. The tower has three sections and is supported by buttresses, which are strong supports built against the walls. On top of the tower is a spire.
Inside the church, you can see a special kind of roof called a hammerbeam and tie-beam roof. The floor has beautiful mosaic patterns. The church also features stunning stained glass windows made by famous companies like Hardman and Clayton and Bell.
The clock in the church tower was a gift from Henry Whitehead. He was once the High Sheriff of Lancashire, an important official in the county.
Images for kids
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The interior of the church
See also
- Listed buildings in Bury
- List of churches in Greater Manchester
- List of works by J. S. Crowther
