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 an old church in Kempsford, England. It's located in the beautiful Cotswold District of Gloucestershire. This church was built a very long time ago, in the 1100s! It is so important that it is a 'Grade I listed building,' which means it is a special historic place. It belongs to the Church of England.
Contents
History of the Church
Early Construction and Changes
Building the church started in the 1100s. The main part, called the nave, was built around 1120. Later, in the 1200s, the chancel (the area near the altar) was added. The church changed a bit over the years. The tall tower was also first built in the 1200s, but it was rebuilt in the 1400s.
Victorian Restoration Work
In 1858, a famous architect named George Edmund Street helped restore the church. This was part of a "Victorian restoration." Many of the things you see inside the church today, like the furniture, were put there during this time.
Recent Tower Restoration
In 2009, the church received money from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. This money helped to fix up the tower and restore some old paintings from the Victorian era. The church is part of the South Cotswold Team Ministry. This group works within the Diocese of Gloucester.
Church Architecture and Features
Main Parts of the Church
The Church of St Mary the Virgin has a long main hall called a nave. It has eight sections, or "bays." There is also a chancel with a special curved ceiling called a "wagon roof." The church has a tall, three-story tower. This tower is held up by strong supports called buttresses.
The Church Tower
The tower has pointed decorations on top called pinnacles. It also has a low wall around the top called a parapet. Inside the tower are six bells. The oldest of these bells were made in 1678, which is a very long time ago!
Inside the Church
When you go inside the church, you will see a special plaque. This plaque remembers the people from the area who died in World War II. There was not much space inside, so the church organ was built around the tomb of a person named Lord Coleraine.
Churchyard Monuments
Many of the old stone monuments in the churchyard outside are also listed as historic. This means they are important and protected, just like the church itself.
