St Andrew's Church, Hornchurch facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Andrew's Church, Hornchurch |
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St Andrew's Church, Hornchurch
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| Denomination | Church of England |
| Website | The parish of Hornchurch |
| Administration | |
| Deanery | Havering |
| Archdeaconry | Barking |
| Diocese | Chelmsford |
| Province | Canterbury |
St Andrew's Church in Hornchurch is an old and important church in England. It belongs to the Church of England. This special building is a Grade I listed building, which means it's protected because of its history and amazing design.
Contents
A Look Back: The Church's History
How Old Is St Andrew's Church?
People have worshipped at this spot for a very long time! There has been a church here since at least 1163. That's over 860 years ago! King Henry II gave the church to the Hornchurch Priory back then.
Building the Church: Key Additions
Over the centuries, the church grew and changed. The tall tower and the north porch were added in the 1400s. Imagine how much history those walls have seen!
The Church Bells: A Musical History
The church tower holds 10 bells. These bells are rung in a special way called a "clockwise ring." The largest bell, called the tenor, weighs about 914 kilograms (2,016 pounds) and was made in 1779.
The church started with six bells. In 1901, two more bells were added, making it eight. Then, in 2001, two more were added, bringing the total to ten. These bells have rung for many important events in Hornchurch.
On May 27, 1912, a group of bell ringers, led by William Pye, completed an amazing feat. They rang a "peal" of 15,264 changes in 9 hours and 49 minutes. This was a very long and difficult ringing performance for its time!
What Does St Andrew's Church Look Like?
The Church's Design: Gothic Style
The church you see today is a great example of late Gothic architecture. This style is known for its pointed arches, large windows, and tall, impressive structures. It was built to inspire awe and connect people to their faith.
In 1955, Historic England officially recognized St Andrew's as a Grade I listed building. This means it's considered one of the most important historic buildings in the country.
Who Is Remembered at St Andrew's?
Memorials and Graves
St Andrew's Church has many monuments and memorials inside. These remember important local families and people who lived in Hornchurch. For example, there are memorials for the daughters of William Blackborne, a local resident.
You can also find a stone tablet for Thomas Clutterbuck, who was an important government official for King George II. He passed away in 1742.
War Graves: Remembering Heroes
The churchyard outside is also a special place. It contains the war graves of 37 service members from World War I and four from World War II. These graves remind us of the brave people who gave their lives for their country.
