Domus Dei facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Domus Dei |
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| Type | Church |
| Location | Old Portsmouth |
| OS grid reference | SZ 63269 99205 |
| Area | Hampshire |
| Built | ca 1212 |
| Architectural style(s) | Early English |
| Owner | English Heritage |
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Listed Building – Grade II
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| Official name: Royal Garrison Church | |
| Designated | 18 Mar 1999 |
| Reference no. | 1245790 |
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Domus Dei, also known as the Royal Garrison Church, is a very old and important building in Old Portsmouth, Hampshire, England. It was originally built around 1212 as a special kind of hospital called an almshouse and a hospice. These places helped people who were poor or sick. Today, it is looked after by English Heritage and is a Grade II listed building, which means it's a protected historical site.
Contents
History of Domus Dei
Early Beginnings
The Domus Dei was started around the year 1212. It was founded by Peter des Roches, who was the Bishop of Winchester, and William of Wrotham. They wanted to create a place to care for people in need.
A Difficult Time
In 1450, something very serious happened at the chapel of Domus Dei. Bishop Adam Moleyns, who was an advisor to the king, was leading a church service. Some sailors, who were angry about not being paid enough, burst into the church. They attacked the bishop, and he died.
Because of this event, the entire town of Portsmouth faced a severe punishment from the church. This punishment was called the Greater Excommunication, or an interdict. It meant that many church services and activities were stopped in Portsmouth. This lasted for a long time, until 1508, when Bishop Richard Foxe of Winchester asked for it to be lifted.
Changes Over Time
In 1540, King Henry VIII took control of many religious buildings, including Domus Dei. For about 20 years, until 1560, it was used as an armoury. This means it was a place where weapons and military equipment were stored.
Later, in 1662, a large house built next to Domus Dei became famous. It hosted the wedding of King Charles II and Princess Catherine of Braganza.
Restorations and War Damage
Towards the end of the 1600s, Domus Dei started to fall apart. It was repaired in 1767 and became known as the Garrison Church. However, it fell into disrepair again. A big restoration project began in 1865, led by G. E. Street, and it took ten years to complete.
On January 10, 1941, during World War II, German bombers attacked the area. Domus Dei was badly damaged. All of its beautiful stained glass windows were shattered. The main part of the church, called the nave, lost its roof because of bombs.
After the war, new windows were put in. Most of these new windows show the connection between the British Army, the Church, and the city of Portsmouth. The front part of the church, called the chancel, is still complete. However, the nave still does not have a roof.
In 1995, the side sections of the church, called the aisles, were re-roofed. In October 2021, the building received a grant from the government's Culture Recovery Fund. This money helps to protect important historical sites like Domus Dei.
See also
In Spanish: Domus Dei para niños
