Church of St Nicholas, Barton le Clay facts for kids

The Church of St Nicholas is a very old and important church located in Barton le Clay, Bedfordshire, England. It's so special that it's been given a "Grade I listed" status. This means it's considered one of the most important historic buildings in the country! It officially became a listed building on February 3, 1967.

History of St Nicholas' Church

The village of Barton-le-Clay was first mentioned a very long time ago in the Domesday Book. This was a huge survey ordered by William the Conqueror in 1085 to record everything in England!

The Church of St Nicholas itself was first written about in 1178. Back then, Pope Alexander III said it was part of a big monastery called Ramsey Abbey. This continued for many years.

Later, during the time of King Henry VIII of England, there was a big change called the Dissolution of the Monasteries. This is when King Henry VIII closed down many monasteries and took their land and buildings. Because of this, St Nicholas' Church became property of the Church of England and was controlled by the King.

What the Church Looks Like

The church you see today was mostly rebuilt in the 1200s. The main part of the church, called the nave, was made bigger in the 1300s. The tall church tower was built in the 1400s. This tower has a cool "chequerboard pattern," which means it looks like a chessboard with alternating light and dark stones.

Inside, the north side of the church has carvings of the Twelve Apostles. These were the main followers of Jesus. There's also a beautiful stained glass window from the 1300s showing James the Greater. At the west end of the church, there's a special window from the 1200s called a lancet window, which is tall and narrow.

The south side of the church is newer, but it still has some old stones from the 1200s built into it. You can also find some very old memorial stones from the late 1300s and early 1400s with special old writing called "blackletter."

In 1879, the church was carefully repaired and updated.

In 1967, the church was officially given its "Grade I listed" status by English Heritage. This means it's protected because of its historical importance. Around the church, there are iron railings from the 1800s and even an old lamppost, which are also protected as a "Grade II listed" structure!

See also

• Grade I listed buildings in Bedfordshire