St Aldhelm's Church, Lytchett Heath facts for kids

Quick facts for kids St Aldhelm's Church
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 church located in Lytchett Heath, Dorset, England. It was designed by an architect named George Crickmay. The church was built in 1898 for Lord Eustace Cecil.

This church is considered a very important building. Since 1984, it has been a Grade II* listed building. This means it's a historic building that needs to be protected. Even the gate at the entrance to the churchyard, called a lychgate, is also a Grade II listed building.

The Story of St Aldhelm's Church

St Aldhelm's Church was built in 1898. Lord Eustace Cecil paid for the entire church himself. He wanted it to be a private church for his family and friends.

He also built it to celebrate a very special event: the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria. This was a big celebration for her 60 years as queen.

The church was designed by George Crickmay. It was officially opened on May 31, 1898. The Bishop of Salisbury, John Wordsworth, led the dedication ceremony.

Lord Cecil bought a large piece of land in Lytchett Heath in 1874. He then built his home, Lytchett Heath House, there in 1875. The church was built near his home.

What Does St Aldhelm's Church Look Like?

St Aldhelm's Church is built from strong, rough stone and smooth, cut stone. It is designed in a style called Early English style. This style was popular a long time ago.

The church was made to hold about 60 people. It has a main area called a nave and a special area near the altar called a chancel. There is also a small room on the north side called a vestry and a porch on the south side.

The tower on the west side of the church has eight bells. These bells were added in 1914. They were a gift to celebrate Lord Cecil's 80th birthday.

Inside the church, you can see different types of stone. These include Purbeck stone, Hamstone, and Tisbury stone. Many of the wooden parts inside, like the benches, are made of oak. They were carved by a skilled craftsman named Harry Hems from Exeter.

The font, which is a basin used for baptisms, is made of Caen stone. It has a base made of Purbeck stone. In 2001, five new stained glass windows were added. They show pictures related to Saint Aldhelm. Jude Tarrant designed and made these beautiful windows.