St Martin's Church, Allerton Mauleverer facts for kids
St Martin's Church is a very old and special church located in the village of Allerton Mauleverer, in North Yorkshire, England. It's an Anglican church, which means it belongs to the Church of England. This church is so important that it's officially recognized as a Grade II* listed building, meaning it has special historical or architectural value. Today, it's looked after by a group called The Churches Conservation Trust, which helps protect old churches. St Martin's Church is found right next to Allerton Park, which is home to Allerton Castle. For almost 700 years, the Mauleverer family has lived at Allerton Castle, and the church has been a part of their history.
Quick facts for kids St Martin's Church, Allerton Mauleverer |
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West end of St Martin's Church, Allerton Mauleverer
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| OS grid reference | SE 415 579 |
| Location | Allerton Mauleverer, North Yorkshire |
| Country | England |
| Denomination | Anglican |
| Website | Churches Conservation Trust |
| History | |
| Founder(s) | Richard Arundell |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Redundant |
| Heritage designation | Grade II* |
| Designated | 15 March 1966 |
| Architectural type | Church |
| Style | Norman revival |
| Groundbreaking | 1745 |
| Completed | 1746 |
| Specifications | |
| Materials | Limestone |
Contents
History of St Martin's Church
A church named after Saint Martin was first built here by a member of the Mauleverer family. This happened a very long time ago, in the late 1100s or early 1200s. The church you see today was largely rebuilt between 1745 and 1746. This work was done for Richard Arundell, who was an important person and an heir to the Mauleverer family. He was also a Member of Parliament for Knaresborough.
On December 1, 1971, St Martin's Church was declared "redundant." This means it was no longer needed for regular church services. Then, on July 27, 1973, it was officially given to The Churches Conservation Trust. This Trust now takes care of the church, making sure it is preserved for everyone to enjoy.
What the Church Looks Like Outside
St Martin's Church is built from stone. The front part, called the west front, uses carefully cut stone blocks known as ashlar. The rest of the church is made from limestone laid in rows. The roof is covered with stone slates. The church's design is in a style called Norman revival. This means it looks like churches from the Norman period, which was many centuries ago.
The church has a main area called a nave, which has six sections. On either side of the nave are narrower parts called aisles. It also has parts that stick out on the sides, known as transepts, and a chancel at the east end. In the middle of the church, between the nave and the chancel, there is a tower.
At the front of the church, there are three pointed roof sections called gables. The main entrance is a round-headed doorway. Above this door, there is a circular window, and on each side of it, there is another round-headed window. The sides of the aisles stick out a little, and each has a round-headed window between two flat columns called pilasters. Along the sides of the church, you can see four more round-headed windows. The windows in the transepts have two sections. The large window at the very east end of the church has five sections and is in a style called Perpendicular.
The central tower has three levels. On the top level, there are two round-headed openings on each side where the bells would be. The tower has a pyramid-shaped roof with a weather vane on top.
What You'll Find Inside
Inside St Martin's Church, you'll see many interesting features. There's a font shaped like a vase, which is used for baptisms. You'll also find a tall pulpit with two levels and a special canopy above it called a sounding board. The church has panelled box pews, which are like individual seating areas with high sides.
Between the nave and the chancel, and also between the nave and the transepts, there are decorative iron gates. The roof inside the church is a special type called a hammerbeam roof. On the arch leading to the chancel, there is a painting of Moses and Aaron.
In the north transept, there are four old statues called effigies. Two of these are made of wood and show knights with their legs crossed. These statues are very old, from the late 1200s or early 1300s. The other two statues are made of alabaster and date from 1475. They represent Sir John Mauleverer and his wife. In the south transept, there is a large tomb for Mrs. Mary Thornton, who passed away in 1800.
See also
- Grade II* listed churches in North Yorkshire (district)
- Listed buildings in Allerton Mauleverer with Hopperton
- List of churches preserved by the Churches Conservation Trust in Northern England
