St Andrew's Church, Monkton Wyld facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Andrew's Church |
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St Andrew's Church
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| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Church of England |
| Ecclesiastical or organizational status | Active |
| Year consecrated | 1850 |
| Location | |
| Location | Monkton Wyld, Dorset, England |
| Architecture | |
| Architectural type | Church |
St Andrew's Church is a beautiful old church in a small village called Monkton Wyld in Dorset, England. It belongs to the Church of England. This church was built a long time ago, between 1848 and 1849. Today, it is a special building known as a Grade II* listed building. This means it's historically important and protected.
Contents
History of St Andrew's Church
Before St Andrew's Church was built, people in Monkton Wyld had to travel far to go to church. The main church was about five miles away. The closest church was still over two miles away.
Building the Church
The people of Monkton Wyld really wanted a church closer to home. So, they started a special fund to collect money for building one. A kind lady named Mrs. Elizabeth Hodson gave a lot of money. The Diocesan Church Building Association also helped with a grant.
The first stone of the church was laid on July 6, 1848. Reverend R. S. Hutchings and his wife, along with other church leaders, were there. The church was officially opened and blessed on March 14, 1850. This blessing was done by Bishop Edward Denison of Salisbury. The church tower was finished later, and a tall spire was added in 1856.
Later Additions and Improvements
Over the years, more parts were added to the church. In 1887, a sacristy (a room where priests prepare) and a pulpit (a raised stand for sermons) were built. The sacristy was added to celebrate Queen Victoria's Jubilee. The pulpit was dedicated to Elizabeth Dodson, who had helped fund the church.
Reverend J. B. M. Camm, who was the rector (head priest) at the time, paid for these additions himself. He and his wife also paid for other improvements. In 1886, beautiful oak stalls were added to the chancel (the area around the altar). A new altar was placed in the chancel in 1891. The chancel screen, which separates the chancel from the rest of the church, was finished in 1888. This work was done by Mr. E. L. Luscombe from Exeter, following designs by Mr. F. C. Eden.
Architecture of St Andrew's Church
St Andrew's Church is made from strong materials. It uses flint rubble, which came from the church site itself. It also has Blue Lias stone and brick. The decorative parts are made of Caen stone, and the roof is slate.
Church Design and Features
The church was designed to hold 200 people. It has a special shape called a cruciform plan. This means it looks like a cross from above. The church has several important parts:
- A chancel (the area near the altar)
- A central tower
- A vestry (a room for changing robes)
- Transepts (the "arms" of the cross shape)
- A sacristy (another preparation room)
- A nave (the main part where people sit)
- North and south aisles (passageways on the sides of the nave)
You enter the churchyard through a beautiful oak lychgate. The south porch has special carvings made from oak wood. The church is built in a style called Decorated Gothic. This style is known for its detailed decorations and large windows.
