St James, Norton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St James, Norton |
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 St James, Norton
Location in Sheffield
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| 53°20′08″N 1°27′41″W / 53.3355°N 1.4615°W | |
| OS grid reference | SK 35879 82166 |
| Location | Norton, Sheffield |
| Country | England |
| Denomination | Church of England |
| Website | St James Church, Norton |
| History | |
| Dedication | St James the Greater |
| Consecrated | 11th century |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | active |
| Heritage designation | Grade II* |
| Designated | 1 May 1952 |
| Architectural type | Church |
| Style | Norman, Early English, Perpendicular |
| Specifications | |
| Materials | stone |
| Bells | 8 (1896) |
| Tenor bell weight | 15 long tons 2 cwt 6 qr (33,990 lb or 15.42 t) |
| Administration | |
| Deanery | Ecclesall |
| Diocese | Sheffield |
| Province | York |
St James, Norton is a historic Church of England building in the Norton area of Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England. It is a local parish church, meaning it serves the people living in that specific area.
Contents
Discovering St James Church's Past
The story of St James Church goes back a long time! In 1086, a very old record called the Domesday Book mentioned a manor (a large estate) in Norton. However, it didn't mention a church there at that time.
The oldest parts of the church show a style called Norman architecture. This means they were built around the 11th century (the 1000s). You can see an old inner doorway in the south porch. It has cool zigzag patterns, but it has been fixed up a lot over the years.
How the Church Grew Over Time
The church has a tall tower at its western end. Most of this tower was built in an old style called Early English Gothic. Inside the church, the baptismal font (a large basin used for baptisms) is also from this Early English period.
Later, much of the church was built or changed in a style called Perpendicular Gothic. This style was popular in the later medieval period.
The main part of the church, called the nave, has walkways on its north and south sides. These walkways are known as aisles. The north aisle has five sections and was built around the year 1200. The south aisle, with its three arched sections, was built in the 1300s.
Even later, a south chapel was added to the east of the south aisle. This chapel, with its own two arched sections, was finished in 1524.
Changes and Bells
In the 1800s, the church got a big makeover. This was part of a trend called "Victorian restoration." During this time, a room for the clergy (the vestry) and a room for the organ were built. The south porch was also rebuilt with a new arched ceiling in a style that looked like old Gothic buildings.
The church's west tower holds a set of eight bells. These bells were all made or remade in 1896 by a company called John Taylor & Co. They were ready just in time for Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee in 1897, which celebrated 60 years of her being queen!
Exploring the Churchyard
Outside the church, in the churchyard, you can find the remains of a very old stone cross. It was built in the 1300s. The base of the cross, with its four steps, is thought to be original. However, the top part of the cross is believed to have been replaced in the 1700s or 1800s. This cross is considered a very important historical site.
Also in the churchyard is the Chantrey tomb. This tomb was designed by a famous sculptor named Francis Leggatt Chantrey. He finished designing it just before he passed away in 1841. He and other members of his family are buried there. This tomb is also a protected historical structure.
