St James' Church, Birdham facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St. James' Church, Birdham |
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St. James' Church, Birdham
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| 50°47′48″N 0°49′57″W / 50.796559°N 0.832566°W | |
| Location | Birdham |
| Country | England |
| Denomination | Anglican |
| History | |
| Dedication | St. James |
| Administration | |
| Parish | St James, Birdham with St Nicholas West Itchenor |
| Deanery | Rural Deanery of Chichester |
| Archdeaconry | Archdeaconry of Chichester |
| Diocese | Chichester |
| Province | Canterbury |
St. James' Church in Birdham is a historic church located on the Manhood Peninsula in Sussex, England. This area is close to the city of Chichester, Chichester Harbour, and a marina, making it a popular spot for both residents and visitors. The church was greatly updated in the 1800s. During this time, its chancel (the part near the altar) was completely rebuilt, and the windows in the nave (the main part of the church) were replaced. However, the church's tower, built in the 1500s, is still original. St. James' Church is considered very important, as it has a Grade I listing.
Contents
History of St. James' Church
The oldest parts of St. James' Church are in the nave, which is the main area where people sit. These parts were definitely built in the 1300s, but some sections might be even older. A tower was added to the church in the 1500s.
The chancel, which is the part of the church near the altar, was built much later, in the 1800s. The church underwent major repairs and updates in 1863 and again from 1882 to 1883. These updates were overseen by an architect named G.M. Hills. Some historians have described the look of the church after these updates as "terrifyingly harsh."
Architecture and Design
St. James' Church has a simple design, including a nave (the main body), a chancel (the area around the altar), a south porch (an entrance area), and a tower.
The nave is divided into three sections, which you can see from the outside by the strong supports called buttresses. The stone frames inside the windows were replaced during the updates in the 1800s. However, one window on the north side still has some of its original old stonework on the outside.
The Tower
The church's tower is short and covered in a smooth plaster-like material. It has diagonal buttresses for support. This tower was built around 1545. It's possible that an earlier tower was planned or even started before this one. We can tell this because the arch leading into the tower, built in the 1500s, sits on older supports from the 1300s. These older supports are a bit too small for the arch, which makes it look a little unusual.
The Chancel
The chancel was completely rebuilt in 1863. Its windows are designed in a style popular in the 1300s, and it has a buttress in the middle of both its north and south walls. The arch that separates the nave from the chancel also dates back to the 1300s.
Church Fittings and Bells
Inside the church, you'll find several interesting items.
The Font and Banner
The font, which is a basin used for baptisms, is shaped like an octagon and is quite plain. It was put in place in 1883. There is also a special banner in the church. This banner shows different scenes from the lives of saints from Sussex. Yvonne Hudson designed the banner, and the women of the church carefully stitched it.
The East Window
The modern east window is a beautiful stained-glass piece that tells a story from the Bible. It shows the "miraculous catch of fish," where Jesus helps his disciples catch many fish. In the background of the window, you can even see Chichester cathedral. This window was created by M.C.F. Bell in 1978.
The Bells
The church has two bells. One bell is very old, from the 1300s, and has the name "IOHANES" written on it. The other bell has the name William Hunneman and the date 1695, making it also quite old!
Images for kids
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The nave looking east.
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The chancel.
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The tower of St James' Church.
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The nave looking west showing the discontinuity in the building of the tower arch.
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St James' Church – banner with pictures of Sussex saints.
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The east window depicting the miraculous catch of fish – Luke 5:1–11.
See also
