St Edward's Church, Wiggaton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Edward's Church |
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| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Church of England |
| Ecclesiastical or organizational status | Active |
| Location | |
| Location | Wiggaton, Devon, England |
| Architecture | |
| Architect(s) | Edward G. Warren |
| Architectural type | Church |
| Completed | 1893 |
St Edward's Church is a special building in Wiggaton, Devon, England. It's a Church of England church, which means it's part of the main Christian church in England. This church was built a long time ago, between 1892 and 1893. A talented architect named Edward G. Warren from Exeter designed it. Since 1952, it has been a "Grade II listed building." This means it's an important historical building that needs to be protected.
Contents
History of St Edward's Church
Why the Church Was Built
St Edward's Church was built as a "chapel of ease." This means it was a smaller church built to help people who lived far from the main parish church. The main church was St Mary's in Ottery St Mary.
In the 1890s, about 150 people lived in Wiggaton. Most of them lived about a mile away from St Mary's Church. It was quite a walk for them to attend services.
Starting Services in Wiggaton
In 1890, Rev. M. Kelly, who was the vicar (leader) of St Mary's Church, started holding services. He held them every two weeks in the schoolroom in Wiggaton. These services were popular, and people realized a local church was needed.
Building the New Church
Soon, plans were made to build a proper church. People started to raise money to pay for it. This was done through "subscription," where many people donate small amounts.
Mr. Edward G. Warren from Exeter was chosen as the architect. He designed the church. Mr. F. Grace from Exmouth was hired as the builder.
Laying the Foundation Stone
The first stone of the church, called the foundation stone, was laid on November 10, 1892. William Rennell Coleridge of Salston did the honors. The choir from the main parish church attended. Rev. Kelly led a short service.
The church cost about £400 to build. This was a lot of money back then!
Dedication of the Church
The church was named after Edward the Confessor. He was an English king who lived a long time ago.
The Bishop of Exeter, Right Rev. Edward Bickersteth, officially dedicated the church. This special ceremony happened on March 8, 1893.
Architecture of St Edward's Church
Building Materials and Style
St Edward's Church is built from red bricks. It has special decorative parts made from Corsham Down stone. The roof is covered with slate tiles.
The church was designed in the "Early English style." This is a type of Gothic architecture that was popular in England a long time ago.
Inside the Church
The church was designed to hold about 80 people. This made it a good size for the local community.
The east end of the church, where the altar usually is, has a unique shape. It is "semi-octagonal," meaning it has a half-octagon shape.
On the south side of the church, there is a vestry. This is a room where clergy prepare for services. There is also a space for the organ.
Special Features
The east end of the church has a central window with three lights (sections). The west gable, which is the triangular part of the wall at the end, has a "bell-cote." This is a small structure that holds a bell.
The roof inside the church has "open timbered" beams. This means you can see the wooden structure of the roof, which looks very impressive.
