Holy Trinity Church, Barnstaple facts for kids
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Holy Trinity Church is a special church in Barnstaple, 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 historic building that needs to be protected.
A Look at Holy Trinity's History and Design
Holy Trinity is a classic example of a church from the Victorian era (the time when Queen Victoria ruled). It was built in 1867 by an architect named William White. This church stands where an older one used to be. The first church, designed in the 1840s, had to be rebuilt because its foundations weren't strong enough.
The church's tall, four-sided tower is very special. It was built between 1843 and 1845, before the rest of the current church. This tower is 38 metres (about 125 feet) high! It's a well-known landmark in Barnstaple and nearby areas. The tower's design is a big reason why the church has its special Grade II* listing. It has a fancy top with pointed decorations called pinnacles.
The church is mostly built from stone. You can see detailed carvings on the outside walls of the main part of the church and the tower. The roof is made of slate. Even the iron railings and gates at the front of the church are part of its historic listing.
The church's style is called "Gothic." This means it has features like pointed arches and tall windows, similar to medieval cathedrals. The inside of the church has a main area called the nave and side sections called aisles. There's also a special area at the front called the chancel.
On the south wall, near the main door, you'll find 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 people from World War I and 4 from World War II. These graves are looked after by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.
Modern Changes and Community Life
In 2009, the church had some big changes, called "reordering." This means parts of the church were updated and repaired. The tower also had repairs. These updates cost about £400,000.
One really interesting change happened in 2010. An indoor climbing wall was put inside the base of the tower! This cost £12,000. The reordering also included new carpeted floors with heating underneath. They also changed the entrance area to include a toilet for people with disabilities. The old wooden benches (pews) were removed, and a small kitchen was added.
In 2018, about 150 people usually came to the church services. This included some young families.
