Church of St Peter, Windrush facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Church of St Peter |
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| Denomination | Church of England |
| Architecture | |
| Heritage designation | Grade I listed building |
| Designated | 26 January 1961 |
| Administration | |
| Benefice | Windrush |
| Diocese | Gloucester |
| Province | Canterbury |
The Anglican Church of St Peter is a very old church in a place called Windrush, England. It was built a long, long time ago in the 12th century. This means it's over 800 years old! It's considered a very important building, which is why it's a Grade I listed building. This special title helps protect it.
Contents
A Look Back in Time
The Church of St Peter was first built in the 1100s. Back then, it was a smaller church, like a chapel, for a nearby area called Great Barrington. It belonged to a religious community known as Llanthony Priory.
Changes Over the Centuries
Later, in the 1300s, a part of the church called the south transept was added. A transept is like a "wing" that sticks out from the main part of the church.
Many years later, between 1874 and 1876, the church had a big makeover. This was part of a "Victorian restoration." A famous architect named Henry Woodyer led this work. During this time, new sections were added, like a room for the organ and a vestry. A vestry is a room where priests get ready for services.
In 2015, the old south doorway was carefully cleaned. It was also given special protection to stop it from decaying further.
The church is part of a group of churches called the Windrush benefice. This group is looked after by the Diocese of Gloucester, which is a larger church area.
Amazing Architecture
The Church of St Peter is built from limestone, a strong type of stone. Its roofs are made from stone slates, which are flat pieces of stone.
Inside the Church
The church has a main area called the nave. This part has three sections, or "bays." There's also a south aisle (a side passage) and the transept we mentioned earlier. The chancel is the area near the altar, and it has the vestry and organ chamber attached.
The Tower and Bells
The church has a tall tower with three levels. Inside the tower are six bells. Five of these bells are very old, dating back to 1707! They were made by a famous bell-making company called Rudhall of Gloucester.
Unique Doorway Details
The south doorway is especially interesting. It's built in the Norman style, which was popular in the 11th and 12th centuries. It has two rows of unique carvings called "beakheads." These look like little faces or creatures, and each one is slightly different. There's also a zig-zag pattern around the outside.
On this doorway, you can also see two "mass dials." These were like ancient sundials that helped people know when church services were happening.
Old Furnishings
Inside, you'll find an eight-sided font. This is a large basin used for baptisms. It was carved in the 1400s. The pulpit, where the priest gives sermons, is from the Jacobean period, which was in the early 1600s.
