St John the Baptist Church, Coventry facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St John the Baptist Church, Coventry |
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Front of the church viewed from Corporation Street
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| 52°24′28.86″N 1°30′58.75″W / 52.4080167°N 1.5163194°W | |
| Location | Coventry |
| Country | England |
| Denomination | Church of England |
| Churchmanship | Traditional Catholic |
| History | |
| Status | Active |
| Founded | 1344 |
| Founder(s) | Isabella of France |
| Consecrated | 2 May 1350 |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Parish church |
| Heritage designation | Grade I listed |
| Administration | |
| Parish | Coventry St John the Baptist |
| Deanery | Coventry North |
| Archdeaconry | Coventry |
| Diocese | Coventry |
| Province | Canterbury |
The Collegiate and Parish Church of St John the Baptist is an old English church. You can find it in the Spon Street area of Coventry city centre, in the West Midlands. This church is a very important historical building, known as a Grade I listed building. This means it has special protection because of its unique history and architecture.
Contents
The Church's Early Days: College of Bablake
The church began its life in 1344. It was founded by Isabella of France, who was the mother of King Edward III. She gave a piece of land called "Babbelak" to a group called the Guild of St John. They wanted to build a chapel there to honor God and St John the Baptist.
What was a Guild Chapel?
A guild chapel was a special church building used by a guild. A guild was like a club or association for people who shared a common interest or job. The Guild of St John used this chapel for their own services. It also included a "chantry," which meant two priests would sing daily prayers for the royal family. The eastern part of the chapel was ready for services by May 2, 1350.
Growing Importance and Changes
Over time, the number of priests at the church grew. By 1393, there were nine priests, and in the early 1500s, there were twelve. The church started as a guild chapel but grew into a "collegiate" church. This meant it had a group of priests living together and working there.
A Church with Many Lives
In 1548, all religious guilds in England were closed down. This meant the College of Bablake was dissolved. The priests who worked there were given pensions, which were small payments to help them. Some of these priests were still receiving payments as late as 1555.
The church building itself went through many changes. Around 1590, it stopped being used for worship. During the English Civil War, in 1648, it was even used as a prison! Scottish soldiers captured after the Battle of Preston were held there. Later, it became a stable for horses, then a market, and even a place for dyeing cloth.
Becoming a Parish Church Again
Luckily, in 1734, the church was restored and started being used for worship once more. Today, it is an active Parish church within the Church of England Diocese of Coventry.
A Special Relic
St John the Baptist Church has a very interesting item: a relic of Saint Valentine of Rome. In 2016, this relic was shown on the altar in a special container called a reliquary during the Mass on Saint Valentine's Day.
Inside the Church: Furnishings and Style
Most of the church's furniture and decorations are from the late 1800s or early 1900s. They were designed in a style influenced by the Oxford Movement, which was a religious movement in the Church of England. You can see a beautifully carved screen, called a rood screen, which looks like something from the late medieval period.
The south chapel has a special decorated screen behind the altar, called a reredos. This one was designed by Sir Ninian Comper and features a central scene of the crucifixion.
The Church Today
St John's Church follows the Traditional Anglo-Catholic style within the Church of England. This means it has some practices that are similar to those in the Roman Catholic Church. For example, it does not support the ordination of women as priests or bishops.
The church receives special guidance from the Bishop of Oswestry, who is currently Paul Thomas. This is called "alternative episcopal oversight." The church is also connected with a group called The Society. The current Rector, Father Dexter Bracey, is also the Bishop's representative for The Society in the Diocese of Coventry.
See also
- Grade I listed buildings in Coventry
