St Aldhelm's Church, Lytchett Heath facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Aldhelm's Church |
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| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Church of England |
| Ecclesiastical or organizational status | Active |
| Location | |
| Location | Lytchett Heath, Dorset, England |
| Architecture | |
| Architect(s) | George Crickmay |
| Architectural type | Church |
| Completed | 1898 |
St Aldhelm's Church is a special private church located in Lytchett Heath, Dorset, England. It was built a long time ago, in 1898. A famous architect named George Crickmay designed it for a person called Lord Eustace Cecil. This church is considered very important, so it's a "Grade II* listed building". This means it's protected because of its history and unique design. Even the gate to the churchyard, called a lychgate, is also protected!
A Look Back: The Church's Story
St Aldhelm's Church was built in 1898. Lord Eustace Cecil paid for the entire church himself. He wanted it to be his own private church. It also celebrated a very important event: Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee. This was a big party to mark 60 years of her being queen! George Crickmay designed the church. A bishop named John Wordsworth officially opened it on May 31, 1898. Lord Cecil bought the land in Lytchett Heath in 1874. He then built his home, Lytchett Heath House, there in 1875.
What the Church Looks Like
St Aldhelm's is built from strong, rough stone and smooth, cut stone. It follows a style called the Early English style. The church was designed to hold about 60 people. It has a main hall called a nave, a special area near the altar called a chancel, a small room on the north side called a vestry, and a covered entrance on the south side called a porch.
The tower on the west side of the church holds eight bells. These bells were added in 1914 to celebrate Lord Cecil's 80th birthday. Inside, the church uses different types of stone. These include Purbeck stone, Hamstone, and stone from Tisbury, Wiltshire. Many of the wooden parts inside are made of oak. These were carved by a skilled artist named Harry Hems from Exeter.
The font, which is a basin used for baptisms, is made of Caen stone with a Purbeck stone stand. In 2001, five beautiful stained glass windows were added to the church. These windows show pictures related to Saint Aldhelm. Jude Tarrant designed and made them.
