Holy Cross Church, Binstead facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Holy Cross Church, Binstead |
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| 50°43′35″N 01°11′19″W / 50.72639°N 1.18861°W | |
| Denomination | Church of England |
| Churchmanship | Broad Church |
| History | |
| Dedication | Holy Cross |
| Administration | |
| Parish | Binstead |
| Diocese | Portsmouth |
| Province | Canterbury |
Holy Cross Church in Binstead is a special old church in the village of Binstead, on the Isle of Wight. It belongs to the Church of England.
Contents
History of Holy Cross Church
This church was built a very long time ago, between the 1100s and 1200s. It stands between the village and the coast. Its location, a bit away from the main part of Binstead today, suggests there might have been a medieval village nearby. This old village was likely connected to the stone quarries in the area.
Building the Church
Much of the church's chancel, which is the part of the church near the altar, is made with a special building style called herringbone masonry. This means the stones are laid in a pattern that looks like fish bones. The original main part of the church, called the nave, was replaced in 1844. Later, in 1875, the church was made bigger by adding a north aisle, which is like a side section.
The bell tower, known as a bellcote, was added in 1925. It holds a very old bell that was made before the Reformation. People believe this bell came from the original, now ruined, Cistercian abbey at Quarr.
Fire and Restoration
On June 7, 1969, the church was badly damaged by a fire. It took a lot of work to fix it, but the church was restored and officially reopened in February 1971.
Ancient Carvings and Burials
Outside the church, on a stone gateway to the churchyard, there is an interesting old carving. It's called a sheela na gig, and local people sometimes call it the "Saxon Idol." These carvings are very old and often show a figure.
The churchyard is also home to several old and interesting graves. One of the most well-known belongs to Thomas Sivell. He was sadly shot by customs officers who thought he was a smuggler. His gravestone tells his story:
To the memory of THOs SIVELL who was cruelly shot on board his sloop by some officers of customs of the Port of Portsmouth on the 15th June 1785 at the age of 64 years leaving a disconsolate widow & family.
All you that pass pray look and see
How soon my life was took from me
By those officers as you hear
They spilled my Blood that was so dear
But God is Good and just and true
And will reward each to their due
In more recent times, Nicholas Dingley, who was known as Razzle, was buried here. He was the drummer for the band Hanoi Rocks.
Church Organ
The church has a pipe organ that was built around 1897 by a company called Hele & Co. You can find more details about this organ on the National Pipe Organ Register website.
