St Bartholomew's Church, Barrow facts for kids

Quick facts for kids St Bartholomew, Barrow
St Bartholomew, Barrow, from the south
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OS grid reference	SJ 469,684
Location	Great Barrow, Barrow, Cheshire
Country	England
Denomination	Anglican
Website	St Bartholomew, Barrow
History
Status	Parish church
Dedication	Saint Bartholomew
Architecture
Functional status	Active
Heritage designation	Grade II*
Designated	1 June 1967
Architect(s)	John Douglas (restorations)
Architectural type	Church
Style	Gothic, Gothic Revival
Completed	1883
Specifications
Materials	Red sandstone Red tile roof
Administration
Parish	Barrow
Deanery	Chester
Archdeaconry	Chester
Diocese	Chester
Province	York

St Bartholomew's Church is a historic church located in the village of Great Barrow, Cheshire, England. It is an active Anglican church, meaning it belongs to the Church of England. This church is very special because it is listed as a Grade II* building. This means it is an important historical building that needs to be protected.

History of St Bartholomew's Church

A church has stood on this spot for a very long time. Records show there was a church here even during the time of King Henry II. Back then, it was given to the Knights Hospitallers of St John. These were a group of knights who helped sick and poor people. They also had a special base here called a preceptory.

Becoming a Parish Church

The church became a regular parish church during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. This meant it served the local community. The part of the church called the chancel was built in 1671. The church's tower was added later, in 1744.

Restoration Work

By the 1700s and early 1800s, the church was not in good shape. In 1871, an architect named John Douglas started some repair work. He did a much bigger restoration project in 1883. This was part of a common trend called "Victorian restoration," where old churches were repaired and updated.

Architecture and Design

St Bartholomew's Church is built from red sandstone. It has a roof made of red tiles. You can still see some older stone work from the Middle Ages in the north side of the church.

Outside the Church

The church has a main area called the nave with a north aisle next to it. There is also a south porch and a chancel at the east end. The tall tower is at the west end of the church. It has four levels, and a clock is on the third level. You can see the date 1744 on two lead pipes on the outside. The roof of the chancel is a special type called a "hammer beam" roof. It has decorative ends with the family symbols of Dean Bridgeman.

Inside the Church

Inside, you will find an eight-sided font made of sandstone. It has a lead bowl and is dated 1713. The beautiful stained glass windows in the chancel and north aisle were made by an artist named Kempe.

In the tower, there is an old chest from 1718. The church also has special boards that list charities from 1711, 1725, and 1848. There is a monument for a Mrs. Wallis, who passed away in 1848. It shows an angel kneeling beside an urn.

The church keeps detailed records. The parish registers, which record births, marriages, and deaths, start from 1572. The churchwardens' accounts, which track church finances, begin in 1857. The church has one bell, dated 1767. The organ inside the church was built by a company called Binns.

Special Features Outside

The church tower used to have decorative urns on top. But they were removed in 1929 because they were unsafe. Now, you can see them on the ground outside the church, near the tower.

The Sundial

In the churchyard, there is a sundial made of sandstone. It has a two-step base and a tall, eight-sided shaft. The base and shaft were once part of a cross from the early 1400s. A cap with a small plate was added later in 1705, but the plate is now missing. This sundial is also a Grade II listed building and a protected historical site.

Gates and War Graves

The churchyard gates, their decorative archway, and the gate pillars are also listed as Grade II buildings. The churchyard is also a resting place for four soldiers who died during World War I.

Images for kids

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  Sundial

• 

  Gates and overthrow

See also

• Listed buildings in Barrow, Cheshire
• List of church restorations, amendments and furniture by John Douglas