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St James the Great, Morpeth facts for kids

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St James Church
St James the Great
Church of St James the Great, Morpeth.jpg
55°10′12″N 1°41′26″W / 55.17005°N 1.69069°W / 55.17005; -1.69069
Location Morpeth, Northumberland
Country England
Denomination Church of England
History
Consecrated 15 October 1846
Architecture
Functional status Active
Architect(s) Benjamin Ferrey
Style Romanesque
Years built 1842-6
Groundbreaking St James Day 1844
Administration
Parish Morpeth
Archdeaconry Lindisfarne
Diocese Diocese of Newcastle

St James the Great, also known as St James' Church, is a beautiful and historic church located in Morpeth, Northumberland, England. It is a very special building because it is a Grade II* listed church. This means it is an important historical building that is protected by law. Even the entrance gate to the churchyard from Newgate Street is also a Grade II* listed structure!

St James' Church is still an active place of worship today. It is part of the Anglican parish of Morpeth, serving the local community.

What Makes St James' Church Special?

St James' Church is not just any church; it holds a special place in history. Being "Grade II* listed" means it is considered a particularly important building. It has more than just local importance. This listing helps to protect its unique design and history for future generations.

A Look at Its History

The construction of St James' Church began a long time ago. The first stone was laid on St James Day in 1844. This day is celebrated on July 25th each year. The church was built between 1842 and 1846. It was officially opened and dedicated on October 15, 1846. This event is called a "consecration."

Who Designed This Church?

The person who designed St James' Church was a famous architect named Benjamin Ferrey. He was known for designing many churches during his time. His work helped create the unique look and feel of St James' Church.

The Romanesque Style

St James' Church was built in the Romanesque style. This style of architecture was popular in Europe during the 11th and 12th centuries. It often features thick walls, round arches, and large towers. While St James' Church was built much later, in the 19th century, it was designed to look like these older Romanesque buildings. This gives it a strong and traditional appearance.

St James' Church Today

St James' Church is an active part of the community in Morpeth. It belongs to the Church of England, which is the main Christian church in England. The church is part of the Diocese of Newcastle and the Archdeaconry of Lindisfarne. This means it is connected to a larger network of churches and religious leaders in the region.

The church continues to hold regular services and events. It serves as a place for people to gather, worship, and connect. Its long history and beautiful architecture make it a landmark in Morpeth.

External links

  • Official Website of St James' Church: http://www.parishofmorpeth.org.uk/stjames/
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