St Margaret's Church, Hornby facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Margaret's Church, Hornby |
|
|---|---|
St Margaret's Church, Hornby, from the southeast
|
|
| Lua error in Module:Location_map at line 420: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value). | |
| Location | Main Street, Hornby, Lancashire |
| Country | England |
| Denomination | Anglican |
| Website | Hornby, St Margaret |
| History | |
| Status | Parish church |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Active |
| Heritage designation | Grade I |
| Designated | 4 October 1967 |
| Architect(s) | Paley, Austin and Paley (restoration) |
| Architectural type | Church |
| Style | Gothic, Gothic Revival |
| Completed | 1889 |
| Specifications | |
| Capacity | 290 |
| Length | 93 feet (28 m) |
| Nave width | 38.5 feet (12 m) |
| Number of spires | 1 |
| Spire height | 66 feet (20 m) |
| Materials | Sandstone ashlar |
| Administration | |
| Parish | Hornby with Claughton |
| Deanery | Tunstall |
| Archdeaconry | Lancaster |
| Diocese | Blackburn |
| Province | York |
St Margaret's Church is a historic church located in Hornby, Lancashire, England. It is a special building because it is listed as a Grade I building. This means it is very important and protected for its history and beauty. The church is still used today for services by the Anglican Church. It works together with other nearby churches like St Michael's in Whittington and St John's in Arkholme and Gressingham.
Contents
History of St Margaret's Church
A church has stood on this spot since at least 1338. That's a very long time ago!
Who Built the Tower?
The oldest part of the church you see today is its tower. Sir Edward Stanley, also known as Lord Mounteagle, built it in 1514. He was an important person back then. Lord Mounteagle also started rebuilding the chancel, which is the part of the church near the altar. However, he passed away in 1524 before it was finished.
Changes Over the Years
In 1817, the old nave (the main part of the church where people sit) was taken down. A new nave was built to replace it.
Later, in 1888–89, the church got a big makeover. This was done by famous architects named Paley, Austin and Paley. They rebuilt much of the nave again. They also added arcades (rows of arches) and a clerestory (an upper part of the wall with windows). The church got a new roof and floor. Old wooden box pews were replaced with new seating. A room for the organ was created, and a new vestry (a room for clergy) was built. All these changes cost about £3,000 at the time.
The St Cecilia Window
In 1908, a beautiful stained glass window was added. It shows St Cecilia, who is the patron saint of music. This window was given by the family of William Henry Foster. Look closely at the window, and you might spot some unusual lady's slipper orchids at St Cecilia's feet!
Church Architecture
St Margaret's Church is built from sandstone. It has a tower at the west end, and a nave and chancel under one roof. There are also aisles on the north and south sides.
What Does the Outside Look Like?
The church tower has three levels. The top two levels are octagonal, meaning they have eight sides. The very top of the tower has a battlements (like a castle wall) and pinnacles (small pointed towers). The middle level of the tower has a clock. It also has a special stone plaque carved with Lord Mounteagle's family crest. The nave and aisles also have battlements along their tops. At the east end of the church, there is a semi-octagonal apse, which is a rounded or curved part.
What's Inside the Church?
Inside the church, you can find a monument to Dr Lingard. He was a Roman Catholic priest who died in 1851. There are also two small pieces of very old Anglo-Saxon crosses.
The church organ was originally from Hornby Castle. It was moved to St Margaret's in 1899. It has been repaired and improved several times since then.
The church has a set of eight bells. Six of these bells were made by Abel Rudhall in 1761. The other two were made much later, in 1922. The church has kept records of baptisms since 1742 and burials since 1763.
Outside the Church
In the churchyard, there is an old Anglo-Saxon cross base made of sandstone. It is also a very important historical item. The churchyard is also the resting place for an officer from World War II.
See also
- Grade I listed churches in Lancashire
- Grade I listed buildings in Lancashire
- Listed buildings in Hornby-with-Farleton
- List of works by Paley, Austin and Paley
