Church of St Peter, Croft-on-Tees facts for kids
{{Infobox church | icon = | icon_width = | icon_alt = | name = Church of St Peter, Croft-on-Tees | fullname = | other name = St Peter's Church | native_name = | native_name_lang = | image = Croft on Tees, St Peter's Church - geograph.org.uk - 231035.jpg | image_size = | alt = | caption = Croft on Tees, St Peter's Church
| pushpin map = North Yorkshire | pushpin label position = | pushpin map alt = | pushpin mapsize = | relief = | map caption = Location within North Yorkshire | coordinates = | osgridref = NZ288098 | location = Croft-on-Tees, North Yorkshire | country = England | denomination = Church of England | attendance = | website = | style = Decorated | parish = Croft | benefice = East Deere Street | deanery = Richmond | archdeaconry = Richmond and Craven | diocese = Leeds | vicar = Reverend Lynn Christine Thorius | curate = The Venerable Simon Jefferies Golding
|embedded=The Church of St Peter, Croft-on-Teesis a very old church located in the village of Croft-on-Tees in North Yorkshire, England. It was first built in the 12th century and is considered a special historical building, known as a grade I listedchurch. This church is famous for its connection to Lewis Carroll, the author of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. When Lewis Carroll was a child in the 1840s, his father was the church's rector, and the family lived nearby. Many people believe that some of the interesting carvings and items inside the church inspired characters in his famous books. The church is even mentioned in Simon Jenkins' book, "England's Thousand Best Churches".
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Listed Building – Grade I
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| Designated | 18 March 1968 |
| Reference no. | 1301945 |
Discovering St Peter's Church History
The Church of St Peter has a long and interesting past. It was first started in the 12th century, which means it's over 800 years old! Over the years, new parts were added in the 13th, 14th, and 15th centuries. Major updates also happened in the late 1800s.
Most of the church is built in a style called "Decorated," which was popular for churches a long time ago. The walls are made from red sandstone, a type of stone found in the local Tees Valley area. There's also a tower on the west side of the church, built from a different kind of stone.
Inside the church, you can find very old Anglo-Saxon crosses. These crosses show that people have been worshipping in this spot for a very long time, even before the current church was built.
Special Features Inside the Church
One interesting feature is the Milbanke Pew, which was added in 1680 by the Milbanke family. This special seating area is raised up, almost like a small balcony, and is on the same level as the pulpit where sermons are given. You reach it by climbing a "grand staircase," and it's supported by decorative columns with red curtains. It's a unique part of the church's history.
In 1968, the church was given a "Grade I listed" status. This means it's considered a building of exceptional historical and architectural importance. The churchyard also has the Todd Tomb, which is another important historical monument.
Lewis Carroll's Wonderland Connection
One of the most exciting things about St Peter's Church is its strong link to Lewis Carroll, whose real name was Charles Lutwidge Dodgson. His father was the rector here from 1843 to 1868. Lewis Carroll lived in Croft-on-Tees from when he was 11 until he was 19, before he went to Oxford University.
Many people believe that things Lewis Carroll saw in this church helped him imagine the characters and stories in Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Alice Through the Looking-Glass.
Inspiration for Famous Characters
For example, a grinning cat carving found on a special seat called a sedilla (a stone seat for priests) is thought to have inspired the famous Cheshire Cat. Imagine seeing that smile and thinking of a disappearing cat!
Another fascinating detail is a sword that used to be kept in the church. This sword is said to be the one John Conyers used to kill the legendary Sockburn Worm. This story might have given Lewis Carroll ideas for the creatures in his books.
New Additions and Visitors
In 2018, the church had some renovations, and a new carved stone Jabberwock was added to the building. This carving looks just like the dragon from an original drawing in the 1871 version of Alice Through the Looking-Glass. This new addition helps celebrate the church's unique connection to Lewis Carroll.
Because of its link to Lewis Carroll and Alice in Wonderland, the Church of St Peter attracts many visitors from all over the world. People come from places like Brazil, China, and the United States to see the church that inspired such beloved stories.
