Holy Rood Church, Swindon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Holy Rood Church |
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 Holy Rood Church
Location in Wiltshire
Holy Rood Church
Location in England
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| 51°33′31″N 1°46′41″W / 51.558505°N 1.778172°W | |
| OS grid reference | SU 15475 84426 |
| Location | Swindon |
| Country | England |
| Denomination | Roman Catholic |
| Website | HolyRoodSwindon.co.uk |
| History | |
| Status | Parish church |
| Dedication | Feast of the Cross |
| Consecrated | 1 September 1932 |
| Events | Moved in 1882 Rebuilt in 1905 |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Active |
| Architect(s) | Edward Doran Webb |
| Style | Gothic Revival |
| Completed | 1905 |
| Administration | |
| Deanery | St Aldhelm |
| Diocese | Clifton |
| Province | Birmingham |
Holy Rood Church is a Roman Catholic church located in Swindon, England. It started as a small chapel in 1851. Later, it was rebuilt into the bigger church you see today in 1905. It stands at the corner of Groundwell Road and Lincoln Street in the town centre. The church was designed by Edward Doran Webb. It was built in the Gothic Revival style, which means it looks like older Gothic churches. It was the first Catholic church built in Swindon after a very long time!
Contents
A Look Back at Holy Rood Church
How the Church Started
Around 1848, Catholic services began in Swindon. A priest from a church in Fairford would visit once a month. He would lead Mass, which is a special church service.
In 1851, a small chapel was built in Swindon. By 1857, the chapel had its own priest living there. But as more Catholic families moved to Swindon, the chapel became too small. So, in 1882, the church bought an old Unitarian church building. This building was in Regent Circus. The Unitarians had built it in the 1860s. It was also in the Gothic Revival style. In 1887, a vestry (a room for the priest to prepare) was added to this church.
Building the New Church
By the early 1900s, even more Catholic people lived in Swindon. The church needed to be even bigger! So, plans were made to build a brand new, larger church. Edward Doran Webb, a well-known architect, was chosen to design it. He had also designed another important church in Birmingham.
The new Holy Rood Church was built on Groundwell Road. It was also designed in the Gothic Revival style. The new church officially opened its doors in 1905.
Years later, in 1926, the priest, Canon J. J. Noonan, worked hard to raise money. He wanted to pay off the debt from building the church. Six years later, in 1932, the debt was fully paid. On September 1, 1932, the church was officially consecrated. This special ceremony was led by William Lee, who was the Bishop of Clifton at the time.
About the Parish
The Holy Rood Church is right next to Holy Rood Catholic Primary School.
The church holds several Masses for Sunday worship. These include a service on Saturday evening and four services on Sunday.
See also
- Roman Catholic Diocese of Clifton
