St George's Church, Stamford facts for kids
St George's Church is a very old and important building in Stamford, Lincolnshire, England. It's so special that it's called a Grade I listed building. This means it's one of the most important historic buildings in the country.
Contents
A Look Back: The History of St George's Church
Who Helped Build the Church?
One important person who helped the church a lot was William Bruges. He lived from 1375 to 1450. William Bruges was the very first Garter King of Arms. This was a special job linked to the King of England. He is buried right inside the church.
The Order of the Garter
St George's Church says it was the first church for the Order of the Garter. This is a very old and important group of knights. Long ago, the church had special windows. These windows showed pictures of the Knights of the Garter. Today, only a few pieces of these old windows are left. You can still see some in the north and south windows. The beautiful roof of the church's main area, called the chancel, was also a gift from William Bruges. It has angels carved into it. These angels hold shields with symbols of Christ.
Memorials and Stained Glass
Inside the church, you can find many special stone tablets. These tablets remember people from the past. One tablet remembers Tobie Norris, who died in 1626. A pub in Stamford is named after him! Another tablet is for Blanche, Lady Wake, who died in 1379. In the south part of the church, there is a beautiful Hugh Arnold stained glass window. It was made in 1909 to remember an architect named John Charles Traylen.
How the Church Changed Over Time
The church's tall tower was likely built a long time ago, in the early 1200s. Most of the tower is still original. Only the very top part was rebuilt in the 1600s. The main part of the church, called the nave, has some original columns from the 1200s. Other parts of the nave were added later, in the 1300s and 1400s.
In the Victorian times (the 1800s), the church got a big makeover. This is called a Victorian restoration. During this time, old wooden benches were taken out. A new place for the speaker, called a pulpit, was built. The floor was also redone. In 1949, a special statue of Saint George and the Dragon was added. This was to remember those who served in the Second World War.
The Rectory: Where the Rector Lives
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The house where the church's leader, called the rector, lives is at 16 St George's Square. This building was built in 1881. It was designed by an architect named Edward Browning. Besides being the rector's home, it also welcomes guests as a bed and breakfast.
Church Leaders: The Rectors of St George's
Many rectors have led St George's Church over hundreds of years. The current rector is Martyn Taylor. He worked at the church from 1996 to 2003 before becoming the main rector.
