Church of St Stephen, Saltash facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Church of St Stephen, Saltash |
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| St Stephens-by-Saltash | |
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| 50°24′13″N 4°13′44″W / 50.4035°N 4.2289°W | |
| Location | Saltash, Cornwall, PL12 4AP |
| Country | England |
| Denomination | Church of England |
| History | |
| Status | Active |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Parish church |
| Years built | 15th century |
| Administration | |
| Parish | St. Stephen by Saltash |
| Deanery | East Wivelshire |
| Archdeaconry | Archdeaconry of Bodmin |
| Diocese | Diocese of Truro |
The Church of St Stephen, also known as St Stephens-by-Saltash, is an old and important Church of England church in Saltash, Cornwall. It's a special building that has been around since the 15th century. Because of its history and architecture, it's officially recognized as a grade I listed building, which means it's a very important historical site.
History of St Stephen's Church
There was an even older church on this spot. It was built in the 13th century and officially opened, or consecrated, in 1259. The church you see today was built in the 15th century. It has three main walkways, called aisles, and five sections, known as bays. It also has a tall tower with three levels. The roof is made of slate and was last updated in 1866.
Inside, you'll find a square stone font where baptisms take place. It's from the Norman period (around 1066-1154) and looks similar to other old fonts in Cornwall. Behind the main altar, there's a beautiful, decorative screen called a reredos. It has seven sections and is designed in a Gothic style.
On January 17, 1952, the church was officially named a grade I listed building. This means it's one of the most important historic buildings in England.
In the churchyard, there's an old stone cross with a lantern-like top. This cross was first written about in 1872. For many years, it stood in the vicarage garden. In the 1970s, it was moved back to the churchyard. Experts believe it was originally placed there.
The Church Today
The parish of St. Stephen by Saltash is part of a larger group of churches in the Saltash area. It belongs to the Archdeaconry of Bodmin and the Diocese of Truro. St Stephen's works closely with the Church of St Nicholas and St Faith, Saltash. The people who support and oversee the parish are the Dean and the Canons of Windsor.
Notable Burials
- Alan Lennox-Boyd, 1st Viscount Boyd of Merton (1904–1983)
Gallery
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Monumental brass of Marie Stradling (died 1613)
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Cemetery
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Cemetery
