St Martin's Parish Church, Guernsey facts for kids
St Martin's Parish Church, Guernsey is also known as the Saint Martin de la Bellouse. It is a historic church located in a valley within the old village of Saint Martin, Guernsey. This church has a long history, with the first mention of a religious building here dating back to 1048. Parts of the church you see today were built as early as 1225.
Right at the entrance gate, you will find a special ancient stone figure called La Gran'mère du Chimquière. The current leader of the church is the Reverend Daniel Foot.
Quick facts for kids St Martin's Parish Church, Guernsey |
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St Martin's Parish Church, Guernsey
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 St Martin's Parish Church, Guernsey
Location in Channel Islands
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| 49°26′17″N 2°33′16″W / 49.43806°N 2.55444°W | |
| Country | Channel Islands |
| Denomination | Church of England |
| Administration | |
| Parish | St Martin |
| Benefice | Guernsey |
| Deanery | Guernsey |
| Archdeaconry | Channel Islands |
| Diocese | Salisbury |
| Province | Canterbury |
Contents
Discovering the Church's Past
The area where St Martin's Church stands has been important for a very long time. Long ago, there was a Neolithic tomb here. It is thought that the ancient stone figure, La Gran'mère du Chimquière, might have been connected to this tomb.
The Ancient Stone Figure
La Gran'mère du Chimquière is a standing stone, known as a menhir. It was carved between 2500 and 1800 BC. The stone is shaped like a female figure. Later, its head was recarved in a more Roman style. Today, this special stone stands at the main church gate. It is a tradition for new brides to place flowers on her head for good luck.
A Healing Spring Nearby
Close to the church, there is a natural spring called la Fontaine de la Bellouse. People believed this spring had healing powers.
How Christianity Arrived
The island of Guernsey became Christian in the 500s AD. This was a long time before the current church was built.
Early Church History
In 1048, there was a wooden church on this very spot. William the Conqueror, who was the Duke of Normandy at the time, gave St. Martin's to the Abbot of Marmoutier Abbey in France. This made it a parish church.
The church was officially opened and blessed on February 4, 1199. For many years, the church was linked to Marmoutier Abbey. This connection continued until 1415. At that time, King Henry V stopped money from being sent to France.
The church was part of the Diocese of Coutances in France. But in 1568, the churches in the Channel Islands, including St Martin's, became part of the Diocese of Winchester in England.
Exploring the Church Building
The oldest parts of the church building are the nave, the tower, and the chancel. These sections were built between 1225 and 1250. About a century later, a second aisle was added to the northern side of the church.
The porch, which is the covered entrance, was built around 1520. It has a sundial on it that dates back to 1751.
Inside the Church
The font, which is used for baptisms, is the oldest on the island. It was made before the Reformation, a big change in the church. The pulpit, where sermons are given, was built in 1657. An organ, used for music, was put into the church in 1848.
The Church Bells
St Martin's Church has three bells. They weigh 448 pounds, 677 pounds, and 947 pounds. These bells were remade by a French bell-maker named Jean Baptiste Brocard. He did this work in September 1736 in Saint Peter Port.
The church clock was put in by Peter Le Page in 1869. At the same time, the bells were connected to the clock, and a special system was installed to make them chime.
Church Records
The church keeps records of important events. These include baptisms and marriages, which have been recorded since 1660. Records of burials began in 1728. These valuable historical records are now kept safe at the Priaulx Library.
St Martin's in Media
In the year 2000, St Martin's Church was featured on a special Christmas stamp. This stamp was issued by Guernsey Post.
Many artists have painted the church over the years. One famous artist who painted it was John Louis Petit.
See also
- List of churches, chapels and meeting halls in the Channel Islands
