Church of St Swithin, Bath facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Church of St Swithin |
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| Location | Bath, England |
| Built | 1779–90 |
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Listed Building – Grade II*
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| Designated | 12 June 1950 |
| Reference no. | 1394245 |
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The Church of St Swithin is a Church of England building. It is located on The Paragon in the Walcot area of Bath, England. This historic church was built between 1777 and 1790. It is officially recognized as a Grade II* listed building. This means it is a very important historical building.
About St Swithin's Church
The Church of St Swithin stands on a very old site. There was a church here even in the 10th century! The remains of that ancient building are still underneath the current church, in its crypt. The church is named after Swithun. He was an Anglo-Saxon bishop from Winchester. He later became the patron saint of Winchester Cathedral.
A Look Back in Time
The church you see today was designed by John Palmer. He started building it in 1777, and it was finished in 1790. When the new church first opened in 1777, it quickly became too small. The city of Bath was growing very fast. Many new people were moving there, and the church needed more space for everyone.
Famous Connections
Many important people have connections to St Swithin's Church.
- The famous writer Jane Austen's parents were married here. Their wedding took place on April 26, 1764. Her father, George Austen, is also buried at the church.
- On May 30, 1797, William Wilberforce was married here. He was a very important person who worked to end slavery. He married Barbara Spooner Wilberforce in this church.
- The writer and poet Christopher Anstey was buried here in 1805.
- Rear Admiral Sir Edward Berry was buried here in 1831.
- Another famous writer, Frances Burney, was buried here in 1840. Her husband, General Alexandre D'Arblay, was buried here earlier, in 1818.
Special Features
The church has some interesting features.
- The church house, which is number 38, The Paragon, was built in the early 1700s.
- In the 1840s, a beautiful stained glass window was added to the east wall. It shows a picture of the Ascension of Jesus.
- The cemetery next to the church has special gates. These gates have a strong stone base and decorative panels.
See also
- List of ecclesiastical parishes in the Diocese of Bath and Wells
