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St Martin-on-the-Hill, Scarborough facts for kids

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The church of St Martin-on-the-Hill, Scarborough
St Martins - geograph.org.uk - 1836338.jpg
St Martin-on-the-Hill, Scarborough
Location Scarborough, North Yorkshire
Country England
Denomination Church of England
Churchmanship Anglo-Catholic
Website https://www.friendsofstmartins.co.uk/
History
Dedication St Martin
Architecture
Heritage designation Grade I listed
Architect(s) George Frederick Bodley
Groundbreaking 1862
Completed 11 July 1863

St Martin-on-the-Hill is a special church located in Scarborough, North Yorkshire. It belongs to the Church of England. This church is famous for its beautiful design and amazing artwork.

History of St Martin's Church

This church was built a long time ago, between 1862 and 1863. It was designed by a famous architect named George Frederick Bodley. The church has a tall tower, a unique roof, and a large main area called the nave. It also has aisles and a chancel, which is the part of the church near the altar. At the front, there is a round window called a rose window.

Art and Decoration Inside the Church

Many of the church's decorations and stained-glass windows were made by a very important company called Morris & Co.. This was some of their earliest work! The ceiling in the chancel was decorated by William Morris and Philip Webb.

The wall behind the altar shows a painting called Adoration of the Magi. This artwork was created by Edward Burne-Jones. The reredos (a screen behind the altar) and the rood-screen (a screen separating the chancel) were added later in 1889. These were also designed by George Frederick Bodley, and the artist was Charles Edgar Buckeridge. Even the organ case has paintings on it, done by John Roddam Spencer Stanhope.

A Moment in History: The 1914 Bombardment

On December 16, 1914, something very unusual happened. The church was one of many buildings in Scarborough that were damaged. This happened during a German attack on the town. The attack started just as the 8:00 a.m. church service was beginning. Even with all the noise and damage, the priest, Rev Charles Mackarness, kept the service going. Later that same day, a wedding between Richard Horsley and Winnifred Duphoit still took place as planned!

Special Recognition for the Church

In June 1973, St Martin-on-the-Hill was given a special status. It was listed as a Grade I building. This means it is a very important historical building in England.

The Pulpit: A Canvas for Art

Rossetti Panels in St Martin's Church - geograph.org.uk - 1836350
The Rossetti panels in the pulpit

The church's pulpit is very special. It has 10 painted panels. These beautiful paintings were created by famous artists like Dante Gabriel Rossetti, Ford Madox Brown, and William Morris.

Church Leaders: Notable Incumbents

Over the years, many important people have led the church. Here are some of the notable leaders:

  • Robert Henning Parr: 1863–1888
  • Charles Coleridge Mackarness: 1889–1917
  • Morris Maddocks: 1961–1971
  • Christopher Armstrong: 1991–2001

The Church Organ

The church has a wonderful organ. The first organ was put in place in 1875 by builders Harrison and Harrison. This organ was later moved to another church.

A new organ was installed in 1890. This one was made by the well-known London company, Henry Willis. You can find detailed information about this organ on the National Pipe Organ Register.

Organists Who Played at St Martin's

Many talented musicians have played the organ at St Martin's. Here are some of the organists:

  • Dr William Creser 1875 – 1880
  • Charles Hylton Stewart 1908 – 1914
  • Cyril Francis Musgrove 1914 – 1915, 1918 – 1919
  • A.Claude Keeton 1919 – 1939

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