Holy Trinity Church, Barnstaple facts for kids
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Holy Trinity Church is a special place of worship in Barnstaple, a town in Devon, England. It's an Anglican church, which means it belongs to the Church of England. The main part of the church was built in 1867. However, its tall tower is even older, built between 1843 and 1845. This church is so important that it's been a "Grade II* listed building" since 1981. This means it's a very important historical building that needs to be protected.
Contents
The Church's Story and Look
Holy Trinity Church was built during the Victorian era in 1867. This was a time when Queen Victoria ruled Britain. The church was designed by an architect named William White. It stands where an older church used to be.
Why a New Church Was Built
The first church on this spot was designed in the 1840s. But its foundations, the parts that hold it up, were not strong enough. Because of this, the church had to be rebuilt. The current church was built to be much stronger and safer.
The Famous Tower
The church's tall tower is very old and special. It was built between 1843 and 1845. This was before the rest of the church was built. The tower is 38 meters (about 125 feet) high. It's a well-known landmark in Barnstaple.
The tower is the main reason the church has its special "Grade II* listed" status. It has a fancy top with battlements and pointy parts called pinnacles. The tower is made of strong stone.
How the Church Looks
The rest of the church is also built from stone. It has nice carved designs on the outside walls. The roof is made of slate. The iron railings and gates at the front of the church are also very old and part of its special historical status.
The church's style is called "Gothic." This means it has tall arches and large windows, like many old cathedrals. Inside, the church has a main area called the nave. It also has a special area called the chancel.
Remembering Heroes
On the south wall, there is a special memorial. It remembers the people from the church's area who died during World War I. The churchyard also has graves for 5 soldiers from World War I and 4 from World War II. These graves are looked after by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.
Modern Updates and Changes
In 2009, the church had some big updates. This is called "reordering." The tower was also repaired. All these changes cost about £400,000.
New Features for Everyone
In 2010, something really cool was added: an indoor climbing wall! It was built inside the base of the tower. This cost £12,000. The main part of the church, the nave, also got new updates. It now has a new carpeted floor with heating underneath. There's also a new entrance area with a toilet for people with disabilities. The old wooden benches were removed. A small kitchen was also added.
In 2018, about 150 people attended church services regularly. This included many young families.
