Church of St Mary the Virgin, Yielden facts for kids
The Church of St Mary the Virgin is a very old and important church located in the village of Yelden, Bedfordshire, England. It is officially recognized as a Grade I listed building, which means it's considered a building of exceptional historical and architectural interest. This church is a great example of a village church built mostly in the "Decorated style" of architecture.
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About St Mary's Church
This church is a beautiful example of old English architecture. It has been standing for many centuries and has seen many changes over time. Its design shows off the "Decorated style," which was popular in England between about 1290 and 1350. This style is known for its fancy window tracery (the stone patterns in windows) and detailed carvings.
A Look at Its History
The Church of St Mary the Virgin has a long history, going back to the early 12th century. At that time, a family called the Traillys received the church from the monks at Thorney Abbey. This was officially confirmed by a special document from Pope Alexander III in 1162. Even though the church has roots from the Norman period (around 1066 to 1154), its current look doesn't show much of that early style. The main parts of the church, like the Nave (where the people sit) and the Chancel (the area near the altar), were built in the early 13th century. Since then, the church has been changed and updated many times.
Special Building Features
One of the most noticeable parts of the church is its tower and "broach spire." A broach spire is a type of church spire that rises directly from the tower without a flat roof or parapet in between. It's a clever way to transition from a square tower to a pointy spire. These features, along with the detailed windows and carvings, make the church a special place to visit and learn about old building styles.
Remembering Brave Soldiers
The churchyard, which is the area around the church, is also a place of remembrance. It contains Commonwealth war graves. These are the graves of soldiers who died serving their country. One grave belongs to a soldier from the Norfolk Regiment who died during World War I. Another grave is for an airman from the Royal Air Force who died during World War II. These graves remind us of the sacrifices made by brave individuals in past conflicts.
See Also
- Grade I listed buildings in Bedfordshire
References
