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St Mary's Church, Barkby facts for kids

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St. Mary's Church, Barkby
St.Mary's church - geograph.org.uk - 2262902.jpg
52°40′57.50″N 1°3′34.50″W / 52.6826389°N 1.0595833°W / 52.6826389; -1.0595833
OS grid reference SK 63674 09856
Country England
Denomination Church of England
Churchmanship Broad Church
Architecture
Heritage designation Grade I listed building
Architectural type Perpendicular Gothic
Administration
Parish Barkby
Diocese Diocese of Leicester
Province Canterbury

St Mary's Church, Barkby is a historic church in the village of Barkby, England. It is a Church of England Parish Church. This beautiful building was first built in the late 1200s. It was later updated a lot in the 1800s. The church has a tall main area called the nave and a special part called the chancel. It also has wide side areas called aisles. The church tower is very tall and has four main sections. It is made from different kinds of stone. Inside the tower, there are six bells. The church was given a special Grade I listing in 1966. This means it is a very important historical building.

Exploring St Mary's Church

St Mary's Church is located in the quiet village of Barkby in Leicestershire, England. It was first built in the late 1200s. The church was greatly improved in the 1800s. It has a very tall and open main area, known as the nave. There is also a special area for the altar, called the chancel. Both are surrounded by wide aisles.

The Chancel and Nave

The chancel was built in the 1200s. It is made from rough ironstone. The nave has a special design with four arches. These arches were also built in the late 1200s. They rest on eight-sided pillars. The roof of the nave is not very steep. It was probably built in the 1400s. It has strong wooden beams decorated with fancy patterns.

The South Aisle and Windows

The south aisle is one of the side areas of the church. It was updated in the 1800s. It is built using strong granite stones and limestone. The three main windows in this aisle have beautiful designs. The window above the south doorway also has these designs. These patterns are typical of the Decorated Gothic style. This style was popular in England a long time ago.

The Church Tower and Bells

The church tower is made of four different sections. Each section uses different types of stone. The top part of the tower is called the bell chamber. It holds six bells. Light comes into the bell chamber through two windows with special patterns. Each window has a design that looks like a four-leaf clover. The top edge of the tower is decorated with carved faces. These are called grotesque faces.

Inside the Church

In the north aisle, you can find several special plaques. These plaques remember members of the Pochin family. They were an important family in the area. In the south aisle, there is an old clock mechanism. This clock used to be in the tower. Now, it is on display for everyone to see. The church was given a Grade I listing in 1966. This means it is a very important historical building.

The Fosse Team of Churches

St Mary's Church is part of a group called the Fosse Team. This team includes eight churches. They are all located north of the city of Leicester. They are also east of an old Roman road called the Fosse Way. Being part of a team helps these churches work together.

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