St Mary's Church, Fordingbridge facts for kids
St Mary's Church in Fordingbridge, England, is a very old building. It was built between the 12th and 13th centuries. This church is so important that it's a Grade I listed building. This means it's a special historic place. It was fixed up and made new again in the 1800s.
Contents
Discovering St Mary's Church History
A church in Fordingbridge was first written about in the Domesday Book in 1086. This was a big survey of England. The church was rebuilt by the Normans around 1150. Back then, it was one big open space inside.
How the Church Grew Over Time
Around 1230, more parts were added. These included the north chapel and the north and south aisles. An aisle is a walkway on the side of the main part of the church.
About 100 years later, even more changes happened. A clerestory was added. This is a high section of wall with windows above the main roof. The church tower was also made taller. Today, this tower holds eight bells and a special Sanctus bell. The north chapel was also made bigger.
Changes Inside the Church
The church has not changed much on the outside since the 1500s. But inside, it looks mostly like it did after a big fix-up in 1840. An organ was added in 1887. A reredos, which is a screen behind the altar, was added in 1920. The church was also restored between 1901 and 1903. This work was led by Charles Ponting.
The church used to have a "three-decker" pulpit. This was a very tall stand for the preacher. But it has been removed. In recent years, the old Victorian pews (long benches) were taken out. Now there are chairs instead. This makes it easier to use the space for different things. In 2000, a new window was put in. It celebrates the new millennium. Also, two of the church bells were sent to a special factory. They were melted down and made new again. This made them sound better.
Churchyard and Memorials
The churchyard is the area around the church where people are buried. It has a monument for the safe-making family named Chubb. There is also a memorial for James Alexander Seton. He was the last British man killed in a duel in England.
Changes to the Burial Ground
In 1896, St Mary's churchyard was closed for burials. A new cemetery was opened at Stuckton Road. Today, the churchyard has been cleared to make it easier to look after. Many old gravestones now form the path from the lichgate to the north porch. A lichgate is a covered gate at the entrance to a churchyard. Old records from 1730 help people find out where some stones used to be. They also help identify who some of the worn-out stones belonged to.
Church Services and Events
The church choir usually sings every Sunday. They help with services like the Family Communion. There is also a traditional Evensong on the third and fourth Sunday evenings each month. The church also has an annual Patronal Festival. This special event happens on the first weekend in July.
