Church of St Mary the Virgin, Yielden facts for kids
The Church of St Mary the Virgin is a very old and important church. It is located in the village of Yelden, in Bedfordshire, England. This church is so special that it is a Grade I listed building. This means it is one of the most important historic buildings in the country.
The church is a great example of a village church. Most of its design is in the "Decorated style." This was a popular way to build churches in England during the 13th and 14th centuries.
A Look Back in Time
The story of this church goes way back! In the early 1100s, a family called the Traillys received the church from the monks at Thorney Abbey. This was a big deal. Later, in 1162, Pope Alexander III himself confirmed that the Trailly family owned the church.
Even though the church has very old roots from the Norman period (around 1066 to 1154), you won't see much of that original style today. The church has changed a lot over the centuries.
What the Church Looks Like
The main parts of the church, called the Nave and the Chancel, were built in the early 1200s.
- The Nave is the main area where people sit during church services.
- The Chancel is the part of the church near the altar.
Over time, the church has been updated and changed quite a bit. The most noticeable parts are its tall tower and its unique "broach spire." A broach spire is a type of church spire that rises straight from the tower without a flat roof in between.
Remembering Heroes
The churchyard, which is the area around the church, is also a special place. It holds Commonwealth war graves. These are the burial places for soldiers who died serving their country. Here, you can find the grave of a soldier from the Norfolk Regiment who died in World War I. There is also a grave for an airman who died during World War II. These graves remind us of the sacrifices made during those big wars.
