Church of St Nicholas and St Peter ad Vincula, Curdworth facts for kids
Quick facts for kids SS Nicholas and Peter Ad Vincula, Curdworth |
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SS Nicholas and Peter Ad Vincula, Curdworth
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 SS Nicholas and Peter Ad Vincula, Curdworth
Location in Warwickshire
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| 52°31′58″N 1°44′22″W / 52.5328°N 1.7394°W | |
| Location | Curdworth |
| Country | England |
| Denomination | Church of England |
| History | |
| Dedication | St Nicholas and St Peter ad Vincula |
| Dedicated | 2007 |
| Consecrated | 1450 |
| Architecture | |
| Heritage designation | Grade II* listed |
| Administration | |
| Parish | Curdworth, Middleton and Wishaw |
| Deanery | Sutton Coldfield |
| Archdeaconry | Aston |
| Diocese | Birmingham |
| Province | Canterbury |
Welcome to St Nicholas and St Peter ad Vincula Church! This historic church is found in the village of Curdworth, in Warwickshire, England. It's named after two important saints: St Nicholas and St Peter ad Vincula.
Contents
A Look at the Church's History
The Church of St Nicholas and St Peter ad Vincula has a very long history. It was first built around 1170–1190, which is during the Norman period. This happened after the Augustinian Canons from the Abbey of St Mary de Pratis in Leicester were given the right to choose a priest for the area in 1165.
How the Church Grew Over Time
The church was made longer in the 1300s. Later, around 1460, a tall tower was added. This tower was built in the Perpendicular style, which was popular for churches back then. The tower was planned to have a spire on top, but it was never finished.
Restoring the Church
Between 1895 and 1896, the church got some important repairs. The roof was quite old and needed fixing. The top of the tower was also made safer. At the same time, the church's organ was rebuilt. New choir stalls were also added, given by the Vicar of Milverton, Rev. M.M. Pope.
The Ancient Saxon Font
During the repairs in 1895, something amazing was found! A carved stone font from the Saxon period was discovered. It had been buried under the floor of the nave (the main part of the church). It might have been hidden during the English Reformation. This discovery shows that a church has stood on this spot since Saxon times, which is a very long time ago! This ancient font has been used ever since it was found.
Beautiful Stained Glass Windows
In 1912, a new stained glass window was put in. It was given by the Hon. Miss Adderley, whose father was Lord Norton. The top part of the window shows the symbols of Lichfield and Worcester. Below that, you can see a figure of Christ with two angels. The larger parts of the window show St Nicholas, who is one of the church's patron saints. Above him are the symbols of Canterbury. The other large part shows St Peter, the church's second patron saint, with the symbols of Birmingham above him. The famous artist Geoffrey Webb created this beautiful window.
The Churchyard's History
The churchyard is a peaceful place with a lot of history. It's believed that some soldiers who died in the English Civil War Battle of Curdworth Bridge are buried here. The churchyard also has war graves for nine soldiers from the Commonwealth. Six of these are from World War I (many were officers from the Royal Flying Corps). The other three are from World War II.
The Church Bells
The church tower holds three bells. The first bell, called "The Mary Bell," is very old, dating back to the 1400s. There's a story that it was given by a traveler who got lost in the Forest of Arden. The sound of this bell guided them safely to Curdworth. The second bell was made in 1756 by Thos. Eayre de Kettering. The third bell, the smallest one, is from 1663. All the bells were restored in 1905 by Lord Norton.
The Church Organ
The church has a large pipe organ with two keyboards. This organ was rebuilt in 1896 by a company called Bamfield and Son from Birmingham. You can find more details about this organ on the National Pipe Organ Register website.
Interesting Sculptures
Inside and around the church, you can find several interesting sculptures. One is an angel statue, which is now missing its head. This angel used to stand on the road bridge over the River Tame at Water Orton. Its job was to protect travelers crossing the bridge.
Inside the church, there is a special memorial for Lancelot Mitchell. He was a priest and rector of the church from 1905 to 1937. The statue shows Melchizedek, a figure from the Bible who represents priesthood. This sculpture was designed by Holland W. Hobbiss and carved by William Bloye. It was put in place in 1950.
