Church of St Michael and All Angels, Castlemartin, Pembrokeshire facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Michael's Church, Castlemartin |
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| Church of St Michael and All Angels, Castlemartin | |
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 St Michael's Church, Castlemartin
Location in Pembrokeshire
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| 51°38′59″N 5°01′18″W / 51.6498°N 5.0216°W | |
| Location | Castlemartin, Pembrokeshire |
| Country | Wales |
| Denomination | Church in Wales |
| History | |
| Status | Redundant |
| Founded | 13th century |
| Dedication | Saint Michael and All Angels |
| Architecture | |
| Heritage designation | Grade I |
| Designated | 14 May 1970 |
| Architectural type | Church |
| Specifications | |
| Materials | Stone, slate roof |
The Church of St Michael and All Angels is a very old building in Castlemartin, Pembrokeshire, Wales. It was built way back in the 1200s! This church is no longer used for regular services. It's a special building because it's a 'Grade I listed building'. This means it's super important and protected. Now, the Friends of Friendless Churches group takes care of it.
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A Look at St Michael's Church
St Michael and All Angels Church is located just outside the village of Castlemartin. It stands next to two holy wells. These wells might mean that this spot was important for religious reasons even before the church was built.
Ancient Discoveries
In 1922, an old cross was found in the church wall. This cross was very old, from the 600s to 800s! Sadly, it has since been lost. The main part of the church building was built in the 1200s. The tall tower in the middle was added later, in the 1300s or 1400s.
Restorations and Art
The church has been repaired and updated a few times. It was first restored in the early 1800s. Then, a bigger restoration happened in 1858. A famous architect named David Brandon helped with this work.
The church has some beautiful Victorian stained glass windows. These windows were made by well-known companies like Hardman & Co. and Heaton, Butler & Bayne. One window shows the Crucifixion. It was designed by Augustus Pugin and is considered one of the best examples of his work in any church in Wales.
Remembering the Past
Inside the church, there is a special memorial from the First World War. It remembers three brave men from Castlemartin who lost their lives in that war. In the early 2000s, the church was no longer used for regular services. Now, the Friends of Friendless Churches group helps to look after this historic building.
Other Important Buildings Nearby
St Michael's Church is a 'Grade I listed building'. This is the highest level of protection for historic buildings. The old house where the vicar used to live is also a listed building. It's a Grade II* listed building, but it's not used anymore. There's also an old stone block in the churchyard called a mounting block. It's a Grade II listed building. People used it to help them get onto their horses.
