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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
OS grid reference TA 04202 87774
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
Administration
Deanery Scarborough
Archdeaconry East Riding
Diocese York
Province York

St Martin-on-the-Hill is a beautiful old church located in Scarborough, North Yorkshire, a town on the coast of England. It is part of the Church of England. This church is famous for its amazing artwork and interesting history.

History of St Martin-on-the-Hill

Building the Church

The church was built a long time ago, between 1862 and 1863. It was designed by a famous architect named George Frederick Bodley. He created a special look for the church, including a tall tower with a unique "saddleback" roof. The church has a main area called the nave, side aisles, and a chancel where the altar is. You can also see a beautiful round window, known as a rose window, at the west end.

Amazing Art and Decoration

Many famous artists and designers helped decorate St Martin-on-the-Hill. Much of the stained glass windows and other decorations were made by a 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 by Edward Burne-Jones.
  • The reredos (a screen behind the altar) and the rood-screen (a screen separating the nave from the chancel) were added later in 1889. These were also designed by George Frederick Bodley, with art by Charles Edgar Buckeridge.
  • Even the organ case has paintings on it, done by John Roddam Spencer Stanhope.

A Church During Wartime

On December 16, 1914, something dramatic happened. The church was damaged during a German attack on Scarborough. This happened right when the 8:00 a.m. church service was starting! Even with all the noise and damage, the priest, Rev Charles Mackarness, bravely continued the service. Later that same day, a wedding went ahead as planned, showing how determined people were.

A Special Building Status

In June 1973, St Martin-on-the-Hill was given a special status. It was listed as a Grade I listed building. This means it's considered one of the most important historic buildings in England. It's protected so it can be preserved for many years to come.

The Pulpit's 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 because it has 10 painted panels. These panels were created by famous artists like Dante Gabriel Rossetti, Ford Madox Brown, and William Morris. Their artwork makes the pulpit a true treasure.

Church Leaders

Over the years, many people have served as leaders at St Martin-on-the-Hill. Here are a few notable ones:

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

The Church Organ

History of the Organs

The church has had a few different organs over time.

  • In 1875, an organ was installed by a company called Harrison and Harrison. This organ was later moved to another church in Sunningdale, Berkshire.
  • A new organ was installed in 1890. This one was built by the famous London company, Henry Willis. You can find detailed information about this organ on the National Pipe Organ Register.

Organists of the Church

Many talented musicians have played the organ at St Martin-on-the-Hill. 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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