St Giles' Church, Elkesley facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Giles' Church, Elkesley |
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St Giles' Church, Elkesley
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| 53°16′19.46″N 0°58′27.48″W / 53.2720722°N 0.9743000°W | |
| OS grid reference | SK 68923 75514 |
| Location | Elkesley |
| Country | England |
| Denomination | Church of England |
| History | |
| Dedication | St Giles |
| Architecture | |
| Heritage designation | Grade I listed |
| Specifications | |
| Bells | 3 (Unringable) |
| Administration | |
| Parish | Elkesley |
| Deanery | Bassetlaw and Bawtry |
| Archdeaconry | Newark |
| Diocese | Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham |
| Province | York |
St Giles' Church is a very old and important church located in the village of Elkesley, England. It's a special building because it's listed as a Grade I listed building. This means it's considered to be of exceptional historical and architectural interest. The church is part of the Church of England.
Contents
History of St Giles' Church
The church in Elkesley has a long history. It was first mentioned in the Domesday Book. This was a famous survey of England completed in 1086. Back then, the church was known as All Saints or All Hallows. This name was used in old wills from the 1400s and 1500s.
The church's name changed to St Giles sometime in the early 1800s. A book called White's Directory first called it St Giles in 1844. Even after that, some people still referred to it as All Hallows.
What the Church Looks Like
The church building is made in a style called decorated gothic. This style was popular a long time ago. It is built using local limestone. The church has several main parts. These include the nave, which is the main part where people sit. It also has a north aisle, a chancel, and a tall west tower. The tower has a special top with battlements and pinnacles.
In 1845, new pews were put inside the church. At the same time, some parts of the building were rebuilt.
Important Memorials
Inside the church, you can find memorials to people from the past. These include:
- Catherine Sharpe, from 1764. This memorial was made by Ant. Ince and is in the south chancel.
- Edward and John Buckles, from Mansfield. Their memorial is in the north chancel.
The Old Bells of St Giles'
The church tower holds three old bells. They have special Latin messages written on them.
- The first bell says: "missi de celis habeao nomen gabrielis". This means "I have the name Gabriel, sent from heaven."
- The second bell says: "hec pro laude pie resonat campana marie". This means "This bell rings for the praise of pious Mary."
- The third bell says: "nomen sanctorum hec campana olocum". This message is a bit unclear, possibly meaning "This bell of the saints, O place."
These bells were likely made around the mid-1400s. We don't know who made them.
Bell Sizes and Weights
The first bell, named 'Gabriel', weighs about 450 pounds (204 kg). It is about 26 inches (66 cm) wide. The second bell, 'Mary', is heavier. It weighs about 560 pounds (254 kg) and is 29 inches (74 cm) wide. The third bell, sometimes called 'All Saints', is the heaviest. It weighs about 670 pounds (304 kg) and is 32 inches (82 cm) wide.
Why the Bells Can't Ring
Sadly, the wooden supports for the bells are not strong enough. Because of this, the bells cannot be rung safely. They are considered "unringable."
These bells are very special. They are one of only two sets of bells in Nottinghamshire that are older than the Reformation. The Reformation was a big change in the church that happened in the 1500s. The other old set of bells is at the Church of St John of Beverley, Scarrington. It's possible the same person made both sets of bells.
The bells are also unique because of their tuning. Their sound is somewhere between a modern major and minor musical scale.
See also
- Grade I listed buildings in Nottinghamshire
- Listed buildings in Elkesley
