Church of St Mary the Virgin, Kempsford facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Church of St Mary the Virgin |
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| Denomination | Church of England |
| Architecture | |
| Heritage designation | Grade I listed building |
| Designated | 26 November 1958 |
| Administration | |
| Diocese | Gloucester |
| Province | Canterbury |
The Church of St Mary the Virgin is a historic church in Kempsford, a village in Gloucestershire, England. It belongs to the Church of England. This beautiful building was first built in the 12th century. It is considered a very important historical site, given a "Grade I listed building" status. This means it has special historical or architectural importance and is protected.
Contents
History of St Mary's Church
Building Through the Centuries
The Church of St Mary the Virgin has a long and interesting history. Its oldest parts were built in the 12th century. For example, the main open area where people sit, called the nave, dates back to around 1120. Later, in the 13th century, the chancel was added. This is the part of the church near the altar, usually at the east end.
Over the years, the church was changed and updated many times. The tall tower you see today was also first built in the 13th century. However, it was rebuilt and improved in the 15th century, giving it the look it has now.
Victorian Changes and Modern Restoration
In the mid-1800s, around 1858, the church went through a big update. This was part of a "Victorian restoration" movement. During this time, many old churches were repaired and redecorated. A famous architect named George Edmund Street led the work at St Mary's. Because of this, many of the things you see inside the church today, like the benches and decorations, are from the Victorian era.
More recently, in 2009, the church received special funding. This money came from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. It was used to help restore the church's tower and some old Victorian paintings inside. This helps keep the church beautiful and strong for future generations.
Church Community and Diocese
The Church of St Mary the Virgin is part of a larger group of churches. It belongs to the South Cotswold Team Ministry. This group is part of the Diocese of Gloucester, which is a large area managed by a bishop in the Church of England.
Architecture of St Mary's Church
Key Features of the Building
The church has several interesting architectural features. The nave, the main part of the church, is quite long with eight sections, or "bays." The chancel, where the altar is, has a special type of ceiling called a "wagon roof." This roof looks like the inside of a covered wagon.
The church also has a tall, three-part tower. This tower is supported by strong diagonal structures called buttresses. These buttresses help to hold the heavy stone walls up. At the very top of the tower, you can see small, pointed decorations called pinnacles and a low wall called a parapet.
Bells and Inside Details
Inside the tower, there are six bells. The oldest of these bells were made way back in 1678! They have been ringing out over Kempsford for centuries.
When you go inside the church, you will find a special plaque. This plaque remembers the people from the village who died during World War II. It's a way to honor their memory. You might also notice the church organ. Because there wasn't much space, the organ was built right over and around the tomb of an important person named Lord Coleraine.
Churchyard Monuments
The churchyard around St Mary's is also full of history. Many of the old monuments and gravestones there are also "listed." This means they are protected because of their historical importance, just like the church itself.
