Holy Trinity Church, Trowbridge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Holy Trinity Church, Trowbridge |
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The west end of Holy Trinity Church and the World War I war memorial
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| 51°19′07″N 02°12′52″W / 51.31861°N 2.21444°W | |
| Denomination | Church of England |
| Churchmanship | Broad Church |
| History | |
| Dedication | Holy Trinity |
| Administration | |
| Parish | Trowbridge, Wiltshire |
Holy Trinity Church in Trowbridge, Wiltshire, is a beautiful old church built in the 1800s. It belongs to the Church of England. For many years, it was the main church for its local area, but that changed in 2011. People in Trowbridge often call it 'The Church on the Roundabout' because it sits right in the middle of a busy one-way road system.
Contents
The Church's Story
In the early 1800s, Trowbridge was growing fast. The old church was too small for all the people. It could only hold about one-twelfth of the town's 12,000 residents. So, in 1835, plans began to build a much bigger church.
People started raising money for the new building. The estimated cost was about £4,000. The total cost ended up being £5,251. A grant of £1,676 helped pay for it. Charles and Richard Gane were the builders.
Designing the Church
A. F. Livesay from Portsmouth was chosen as the architect. He designed the church in the Early English style. This style was inspired by parts of Salisbury Cathedral. For example, the ceilings of the side aisles look similar to Salisbury's.
The church was built using Westwood stone. This stone was not the best quality. Inside, the columns were made of iron and plaster. They were painted to look like fancy marble. The walls were also painted to look like high-quality stone. The church had four entrances. The main one today is under a tower with battlements. The windows were originally made of plain, clear glass.
It's interesting that the church doesn't face east and west like most churches. Instead, it faces north-east and south-west.
Building and Changes Over Time
The first stone was laid in 1837. About 7,000 people came to watch this important event. The building took just over a year to finish. It cost £6,415 and 12 shillings. The church was officially opened by the Bishop of Salisbury on November 1, 1838. When it first opened, it had seats for 1,033 people.
Over the years, the church's inside layout changed many times.
- In 1852, a new organ was put in.
- In 1871, one of the side areas (the south transept) became a small chapel for weekday services.
- For the church's 50th birthday in 1888, a large gallery at the back was removed. The organ was moved, and choir seats were added.
- In the early 1900s, the church was checked for damage. The Westwood stone was showing wear.
- Between 1902 and 1904, the main altar area was raised. New rooms were built for the organ and choir.
- By 1908, the seating was changed again, reducing the number of seats to about 750.
In 1911, the chapel at the eastern end of the church was updated. In 1914, a beautiful carved oak screen (called a reredos) was added behind the main altar. It shows angels and scenes from the Bible. Another screen was added in 1927 in the All Saints' Chapel.
In 1940, a screen was put up in the Lady Chapel. A new choir room was built at the back of the church. This room was a memorial to those who died in World War II. The names of 56 people from the church who died in the war are carved on the screen.
In the 1970s, new roads were built around Trowbridge. A one-way roundabout was made around the church. This made the church seem like it was on an island. That's how it got its nickname, "The Church on the Roundabout."
More changes happened in the 1980s. Toilets were added, and a screen was put up in the south transept. This area was used for a crèche (a place for young children). In 2000, the old wooden pews were taken out and replaced with chairs.
Stained Glass Windows
The church has many beautiful stained-glass windows. Each one tells a story or remembers someone special.
- Near the east window, there are two windows remembering Charles Gane, one of the church builders. One shows the Resurrection (Jesus rising from the dead), and the other shows the Ascension (Jesus going to heaven).
- On the south wall, there is a window for Reverend Digby Walsh. He was the vicar (church leader) for eleven years and died young in 1869. This window was made by A. L. Moore.
- In 1906, a window was put in the north wall to remember Alice Ewing, the vicar's wife.
- The large east window was added in 1909 to honor her husband, Robert Ewing, who was also a vicar. This window, also by A. L. Moore, shows the Crucifixion (Jesus on the cross) and the Ascension. It also shows scenes of Jesus teaching.
- In 1913, a small window was put in the north wall for Harry Moore, the church organist. It shows St. Gregory holding a sheet of music.
- In 1937, windows in the south transept were dedicated to Florence Norris. They show stories of kindness and healing from the Bible. These windows were made by Morris & Co..
- In 1945, windows were put in the Lady Chapel to remember Arthur Stancomb. They show Christ as a good shepherd and St. Christopher, the patron saint of travelers.
Repairs and Redecoration
The church has been repaired and redecorated several times. The first time was between 1858 and 1869. Another redecoration happened in 1884. In 1967-68, the inside was completely redecorated. In 2009, the church was repaired and redecorated again. The colors inside changed from blues to reds, pinks, white, and gold.
The Churchyard
Outside the church, there is a stone cross. This cross is a memorial to the soldiers from the parish who died in World War I. It has 147 names carved on it and was dedicated in 1921. Many of the old gravestones were removed in 1977.
The Church's Status Today
When Holy Trinity Church was first built, it was a 'chapelry'. This meant it was a smaller church connected to the main town church, St James'. In 1839, it became its own parish church, serving a specific area.
In 1976, the church was given a special status as a Grade II* listed building. This means it is a very important historical building.
In December 2010, Holy Trinity Church stopped being a parish church. Its area was divided among four other nearby churches. Now, it is a 'chapel of ease'. This means it is still used for services, especially evening ones, and for community activities. It hosts youth groups, concerts, and a mothers and toddlers group.
