St Mary's Church, Hadleigh facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Mary, Hadleigh |
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Church of St Mary, Hadleigh
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| Location | Hadleigh, Suffolk |
| Country | England |
| Denomination | Anglican |
| Website | http://www.stmaryshadleigh.co.uk |
| History | |
| Status | Parish church |
| Founded | c. 878–890 |
| Founder(s) | Guthrum (reputed) |
| Dedication | Saint Mary |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Active |
| Heritage designation | Grade I |
| Designated | 26 April 1950 |
| Architectural type | Norman |
| Specifications | |
| Bells | 8 |
| Tenor bell weight | 22 long cwt 1 qr 17 lb (2,509 lb or 1,138 kg) |
| Administration | |
| Deanery | Hadleigh |
| Archdeaconry | Ipswich |
| Diocese | St Edmundsbury and Ipswich |
| Province | Canterbury |
St Mary's Church is an old and beautiful Anglican church located in Hadleigh, Suffolk, England. It is still an active church today, serving the local community as a parish church. This means it's a church for people living in a specific area.
The oldest parts of St Mary's Church were built a very long time ago, during the medieval period. Because of its age and special design, it is considered a Grade I listed building. This is the highest level of protection for historic buildings in England, showing how important it is.
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History and Design of St Mary's
St Mary's Church has a long and interesting history. Its tower was built in the late 1200s or early 1300s. The side sections, called aisles, were added in the 1300s.
How the Church Changed Over Time
Most of the church was rebuilt in the 1400s. During this time, the main arches inside the church were changed. A new upper level with windows, called a clerestory, was added. Also, a south porch and a vestry (a room for clergy) were built. Almost all the windows in the church were replaced then, except for those in the tower.
Later, in the 1800s and early 1900s, the church was carefully repaired and restored. This helped to keep the old building strong and beautiful for many more years.
What the Church is Made Of
The church is built from flint stones mixed with other stone pieces. It has roofs made of lead and a spire (the tall, pointed part of the tower) also covered in lead.
The church has a main area called a nave, with aisles on either side. It also has a chancel, which is the part of the church where the altar is. There is a tower at the western end and a two-story porch on the south side. A vestry is located on the north side.
Why St Mary's is Special
On April 26, 1950, St Mary's Church was officially named a Grade I listed building. This important status was given by Historic England. They recognized its large size, the amazing quality of its late-medieval design, and its beautiful interior as key reasons for this honor.
