St Martin's Church, Knebworth facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Martin's Church, Knebworth |
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The west front
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| Denomination | Church of England |
| Architecture | |
| Heritage designation | Grade II* listed |
| Architect(s) | Edwin Lutyens, Albert Richardson |
| Style | Neoclassical |
| Completed | 20th century |
| Administration | |
| Archdeaconry | Hertford |
| Diocese | St Albans |
| Province | Canterbury |
St Martin's Church is an active Church of England church located in Knebworth, Hertfordshire, England. This church building is very special because it was designed by a famous architect named Edwin Lutyens. He created it in an Italianate style, which means it looks like buildings from Italy. The church is made of brick and is considered a very important historical building, known as a Grade II* listed building.
Building History
This church was built to serve the growing community near the Great North Road and the Knebworth railway station. It is more than a mile away from the older, medieval church of St Mary and St Thomas.
Before World War I, a wealthy local family, the Bulwer-Lyttons, planned to create a special "garden village" in Knebworth. This was a plan for a new, well-designed community. While the full plan was not finished, it led to Edwin Lutyens designing several buildings in the area. He also designed a clubhouse for the local golf course and a large house called Homewood.
Construction and Design
Building work on St Martin's Church started in 1914. However, the church was not fully completed as Lutyens had originally planned. When it was officially opened in 1915, it was still unfinished. This was because of money problems caused by World War I.
The front part of the church, called the west front, was added much later in the 1960s. This part was designed by another architect, Sir Albert Richardson. Richardson did not follow Lutyens' original idea for a grand entrance porch, but his design still fits in well with the rest of the church.
Inside the Church
The inside of St Martin's Church has plastered walls. It also uses a special kind of light-colored stone called Portland stone in a few places.
The main part of the church, called the nave, is separated from the side sections, known as aisles. This separation is done by small arches that rest on Tuscan columns. Tuscan columns are a simple, classic style of pillar.
The church's organ was installed in the 1960s. Its pipes are placed in special sections, or "tubs," on each side of the entrance to the chancel, which is the area near the altar.
Protecting the Church
On May 27, 1968, St Martin's Church was officially recognized as a grade II* listed building. This means it is considered a very important historical building that needs to be protected and preserved for the future.
See also
- Homewood, Knebworth
- St Jude's Church, Hampstead Garden Suburb
