Church of St Michael, Alnham facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Michael’s Church, Alnham |
|
|---|---|
St Michael’s Church, Alnham
|
|
| 55°23′33.99″N 2°00′57.3″W / 55.3927750°N 2.015917°W | |
| Location | Castle Hill, Alnham, Northumberland NE66 4TL |
| Country | England |
| Denomination | Church of England |
| Website | http://www.stmichaelsalnham.org.uk |
| Architecture | |
| Heritage designation | Grade I listed |
| Administration | |
| Parish | Upper Coquetdale |
| Deanery | Alnwick |
| Archdeaconry | Lindisfarne |
| Diocese | Diocese of Newcastle |
St Michael's Church in Alnham, Northumberland, is a very old church built around the year 1200. It stands on what used to be a Roman camp! This church is so important that it's a Grade I listed building. This means it's protected because of its special history and architecture.
Contents
About the Church and Area
St Michael's Church is located in a quiet, countryside area in northwest Northumberland. It's only about 8 miles (13 km) from the border with Scotland. The church sits on a small hill, which was once a Roman camp. This camp likely protected cattle grazing in the rich fields near the river Aln.
Near the church, you can find the remains of an old castle. There's also a pele tower, which is a type of small castle. This tower was later used as the vicarage house, where the local priest lived.
A Look Back: Church History
The church walls show that it was built around 1200. However, not many records exist from its very early days. Like many old churches, it was probably built by the wealthy landowners of the area.
Early Records and Changes
- Around 1184, a nobleman named William de Vesci gave Alnham Church to the monks of Alnwick Abbey. This is the first time the church is mentioned in writing.
- The monks often rebuilt or improved churches they were given. It seems they did this for St Michael's Church too.
- In 1291, a tax record for church property valued Alnham Rectory.
- Later, in the 1500s, King Henry VIII's records valued the church at a small amount.
- The church is dedicated to St. Michael, a very popular saint in northern Northumberland. Many churches in the area are named after him.
Notable Connections
In 1597, Henry, the ninth Earl of Northumberland, mentioned Alnham Church in a document. This document was for Thomas Percy, who was involved in the famous Gunpowder Plot. Thomas Percy worked for the Earl for many years.
Church Design and Features
The church building mostly dates from around 1200. However, some parts are even older, like the Saxon quoins (corner stones) in the main part of the church, called the nave.
Architectural Style
- The church is built in a style common in the mid-1300s, during the time of King Edward III.
- Some of its windows are newer additions.
- Key features include a small bell tower (called a bell-cot), a lower chancel (the area around the altar), and a porch.
- It also has an arcade, which is a row of arches supported by columns.
Changes Over Time
- In earlier centuries, the church had a north aisle (a side section).
- It has north and south transepts (parts that stick out from the sides, making the church look like a cross). Only the south transept is part of the original building.
- The north transept was once used as a Sunday school.
- The church has strong supports called buttresses on its west, north, and south sides.
- Some of the very old windows are still there. However, in the 1700s, some people added modern sash windows, which changed its original look.
- A strong new roof was added around 1840.
Restoration Efforts
By 1862, the church was in poor condition. It had:
- A wobbly door.
- Mildew on the walls.
- Rotten, leaky windows that let in wind and rain.
- An ugly small square window at the east end.
- Old, damp pews and a floor covered in fungi.
It was clear the church needed urgent repairs. So, in 1870, the church was carefully restored. This work was overseen by an architect named F. R. Wilson. During this restoration:
- The bell-cot was put back on the west end of the roof.
- The old sash windows were replaced with new ones that matched the church's original style.
- New seating was added in the nave and chancel.
Inside the Church: Fittings
- The communion plate, used for church services, includes a cup, a paten (a small plate), a flagon (a jug), and a brass alms dish (for collecting donations).
- The small, round font (used for baptisms) dates back to 1664. It has special symbols that link it to the Percy family, who were important landowners in the area.
- On the chancel floor, you can see old tomb slabs.
- The church bell has "Alnham, Nov. 1759" written on it.
- Inside and outside the church, there are several memorial tablets and gravestones. One tablet remembers the Collingwood family, who were once very important in the area.
