Holy Cross Church, Ryton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Holy Cross Church, Ryton |
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| 54°58′40″N 1°45′56″W / 54.977861°N 1.765615°W | |
| Location | Ryton, Tyne and Wear, NE40 3QP |
| Country | England |
| Denomination | Church of England |
| Administration | |
| Parish | Ryton |
| Deanery | West Gateshead |
| Archdeaconry | Archdeaconry of Sunderland |
| Diocese | Diocese of Durham |
Holy Cross Church is a very old and special church located in Ryton, England. It is part of the Church of England. This church is so important that it is officially known as a Grade I listed building. This means it is one of the most historic and beautiful buildings in the country.
Discovering Holy Cross Church's Past
Holy Cross Church is the oldest building in Ryton. It was built way back in the year 1220! Imagine how many people have walked through its doors since then.
The Tall Spire and Ancient Art
The most amazing part of the church is its tall, pointed roof, called a spire. This spire was built in the 13th century and stands 36 meters high. That's about as tall as a 12-story building! Inside, you can find other cool old things. One is a stone carving, called an effigy, from the 13th century. It shows a deacon (a church helper) holding a book. This carving is made from a special type of stone called Frosterley Marble.
Famous People Connected to Holy Cross
Over the years, many important people have served as the main priest, or rector, at Holy Cross Church.
- Thomas Secker (served in 1727): He later became the Archbishop of Canterbury, which is a very high position in the Church of England.
- Charles Thorp (served in 1807): He was a key person in starting the University of Durham. He was its first leader, called a warden.
- The Hon. Richard Byron (served in 1769): He was the brother of William Byron, 5th Baron Byron. He was also the great-uncle of the famous poet, Lord Byron.
