Church of the Holy Cross, Sherston facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Church of the Holy Cross, Sherston |
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| Denomination | Church of England |
| Churchmanship | Broad Church |
| History | |
| Dedication | The Holy Cross |
| Administration | |
| Parish | Sherston |
| Deanery | North Wiltshire |
| Archdeaconry | Malmesbury |
| Diocese | Bristol |
| Province | Canterbury |
The Church of the Holy Cross is an old and important Anglican church in the village of Sherston, England. It is a Grade I listed building, which means it is very special and protected. The church was first built a very long time ago, during the Norman period. Inside, you can find interesting old decorations and a crucifix given by Italian soldiers during World War II.
Contents
A Look at the Church's History and Design
How Old Is the Church?
Records from the Domesday Book in 1086 show that there was a church in Sherston even back then. The Church of the Holy Cross stands on what is probably the same spot today. It is right in the middle of the village.
What Does the Church Look Like?
The church has several main parts:
- A chancel (the area around the altar).
- A nave (the main part where people sit).
- Aisles (passageways on the sides of the nave).
- A tall crossing tower (a tower built where the nave and transepts meet).
- A north transept (a part that sticks out like an arm).
- A south porch (the entrance area).
One expert, Nikolaus Pevsner, said the tower is "almost too high" for the rest of the church. This shows how impressive it is!
The Oldest Parts of the Building
The oldest part of the church was built in the 12th century. This includes the north arcade, which is a row of arches on the north side. The crossing area and the north transept were added in the early 13th century. You can see three tall, narrow windows called lancet windows in the transept. Some older stones from the 12th century were reused on the outside of the north transept.
Above the later south porch, there is a stone figure of a saint from the mid-to-late 12th century. Inside, the arches in the crossing area rest on large, beautifully carved heads. The chancel was built in the late 13th century. Later, in the 15th century, most of the windows were updated, and the two-story south porch was added.
The Tower's Story
The church's tower was rebuilt in 1733. It was designed by Thomas Sumsion of Colerne in a style called Gothic Survival. This style copied older Gothic designs. The top two parts of the tower look similar to Sumsion's other work. The open stone patterns at the top and the square towers (pinnacles) are like those found at Gloucester Cathedral.
Changes Over Time
The church was repaired and updated in the late 1800s. This is known as a Victorian restoration. T.H. Wyatt led work in 1876–77. Later, Ewan Christian did more work, especially in the chancel. The large east window was designed by Christian.
Inside the Church
- The font (a basin for baptisms) is from the 13th century. It is shaped like an octagon and sits on five supports.
- The pulpit (where sermons are given) is from the 17th century and has six sides.
- In the north transept, there is a special space for a tomb from the mid-13th century. It holds a stone figure of a person. Another tomb space in the north aisle is from the 14th century.
- You can also see monuments for important people. In the south aisle, there is a detailed carving from 1715 of Joyce Hitchings praying. In the chancel, there are monuments for Anne Hodges (1676) and Thomas Estcourt Cresswell (1788). The one for Thomas Estcourt Cresswell is described as "elegant."
The Church Bells
The church has six bells. Two of them were made around 1660 by an unknown person. Two more are from the 18th century and were made by Rudhall of Gloucester, a famous bell maker. There is also a small bell called a sanctus bell from 1632.
Protected Status
The Church of the Holy Cross was given Grade I listed status in 1959. This means it is a building of exceptional historical and architectural interest. The old wooden gate (called a lychgate) at the church entrance, which has 18th-century gates, was also listed in 1986 as Grade II.
The Church Community
The Church of the Holy Cross works with other churches nearby. Since 1954, it has been connected with the church in the small village of Easton Grey. Today, this church is part of the Gauzebrook group of churches. This group includes the churches from eight villages around Sherston.
