Holy Trinity Church, Swyre facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Holy Trinity Church |
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| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Church of England |
| Ecclesiastical or organizational status | Active |
| Location | |
| Location | Swyre, Dorset, England |
| Architecture | |
| Architectural type | Church |
| Architectural style | Early English |
Holy Trinity Church is a special old church in Swyre, Dorset, England. It belongs to the Church of England. The oldest parts of this church were built a very long time ago, in the early 1400s! Some parts were also rebuilt and added in the 1800s. It's considered a very important building, listed as a Grade I building. This means it has a lot of historical and architectural value.
Contents
A Look Back: Church History
How Old is Holy Trinity Church?
People know there was a church in Swyre even before the 1200s! The first time a church leader (called a rector) was written about here was in 1297. The oldest parts of the church you see today were built around 1400. This includes the arch leading to the chancel (the part of the church near the altar) and the tall tower at the west end.
Who Helped Fix the Church?
A clergyman and historian named John Hutchins was the rector at Swyre from 1729 to 1733. He paid to have the chancel repaired during his time there.
Later, in 1843 and 1844, a big rebuilding project happened. The Duke of Bedford paid for the main part of the church, called the nave, to be rebuilt. The rector at the time, Rev. John Wickens, paid for the chancel to be rebuilt. The church was ready and reopened on August 25, 1844.
In 1885, another rector, Rev. Orlando Spencer Smith, paid for more additions. He added a vestry (a room for clergy) and a special room for the organ.
Church Design and Features
What is the Church Made Of?
Holy Trinity Church is built from local stone, which means rocks found nearby. Its roofs are covered with slate, a type of dark gray rock that is good for roofing. The church has several main parts: the nave (where people sit), the chancel (near the altar), a porch on the north side, a tall tower on the west side, and the vestry/organ room.
Inside the Church: Special Details
On the north wall of the nave, there's an old doorway that dates back to the late 1300s. The tower has a simple top and holds two bells. These bells are thought to be from the 1400s, making them very old!
Inside, above the chancel arch, you can see the Royal Arms of King Charles II. This is a special symbol showing loyalty to the king. On either side of the arch are two painted panels from the late 1700s. These panels list the Ten Commandments.
Old Memorials and Artwork
The church also has some interesting old memorials. On the north wall of the nave, there are brass plaques with family symbols. One is for John Russell and his wife Elizabeth, from 1505. Another is for James Russell and his wife Alys, from 1509. On the west wall, there's a memorial for George Gollope and many of his family members, covering years from 1745 to 1787.
On the north wall of the chancel, there's a monument for James Napier and his family. It was put there by Sir Robert Napier in 1692.
The Font and Organ
The font, which is a large basin used for baptisms, is octagonal (eight-sided) and dates back to the 1400s. The church's organ was put in place in 1890. It was built by Alfred Kirkland in London and later fixed up in 1976 by George Osmond & Co. from Taunton.
