Church of St Swithin, Ganarew facts for kids
The Church of St Swithin is an old church located in Ganarew, a village in south Herefordshire, England. It is a special place of worship for the local community. This church is named after Saint Swithin, though long ago, some records also mentioned it being dedicated to Saint Luke. It is part of the Church of England and is recognized as a Grade II listed building, which means it's an important historical structure.
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History of St Swithin's Church
The Church of St Swithin has a long history. We know that a person named Giles Rawlines was the church's rector (a type of priest) way back in 1624.
When Was the Church Rebuilt?
The church you see today was mostly rebuilt around 1850. A famous church builder and restorer from the Victorian period named John Prichard worked on it. The church needed this big repair because its foundations (the parts that support the building from below) were becoming weak.
What Does St Swithin's Church Look Like?
The Church of St Swithin is built in a style called English Gothic. This style is known for its pointed arches and decorative details. Experts describe it as "Decorated" Gothic, which was popular during a certain time in history.
Building Materials and Design
The church is made from sandstone rubble, which are rough, broken stones. It also has smoother, cut stones called ashlar for details. The roof is covered with tiles. The main part of the church, called the nave, has windows with special decorative frames called hoodmoulds. These windows have unique shapes with curved tops. The bellcote, which holds the church bell, has similar decorative openings and a small spire with fancy decorations.
Inside the Church: The Reredos
Inside the church, there is a beautiful sculpture called a reredos. This artwork is made of white marble and shows the figure of Christ with two angels. It also serves as the village's war memorial, honoring those who served.
The Church Grounds
The area around the church, known as the graveyard, is also very interesting.
Memorials and Ancient Cross
In the graveyard, you can find a tall, pointed memorial called a Gothic pinnacle. This monument remembers the Bannerman family, who used to live nearby at a place called Wyastone Leys. There is also a very old medieval churchyard cross, which is protected as an ancient monument.
War Grave
The graveyard also contains a special grave for a soldier from the Royal Engineers who fought in World War I. This grave is cared for by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.
