Church of St Thomas a Becket, Shirenewton facts for kids
The Church of St Thomas a Becket is a historic church located in the village of Shirenewton, in Monmouthshire, Wales. It's a special place that has stood for many centuries.
The land where the church stands was inherited by a nobleman named Henry de Bohun in the late 1100s. His son, Humphrey, built the church after he became the Earl in 1220. The church was named after St. Thomas à Becket, an important church leader who was sadly killed in 1170 and later made a saint.
One of the earliest known rectors (a type of priest) of the church was a writer named Adam of Usk, who served there in 1399. The church is also a "Grade II listed building," which means it's an important old building protected for its history and special architecture. Church services are usually held there on Sunday mornings.
Church Design and Features
Much of the church you see today, including its strong tower, the area for the choir, the main altar area (chancel), and the main part where people sit (nave), was first built in the 1200s. Over time, parts of it were rebuilt and fully repaired in 1853.
Special Memorials and Gifts
Inside the church, there is a special monument to Ian Oswald Liddell. He was a brave soldier who won the Victoria Cross, which is the highest award for bravery in the British military, during the Second World War. He was the grandson of Sir Charles Oswald Liddell, who lived at Shirenewton Hall.
The church also has a four-faced clock that was put in place after the First World War. More recently, a special fund called a Millennium Grant helped pay for lights to shine on the church at night, making it look beautiful.
