St Mary's Church, Little Ilford facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Mary's Church, Little Ilford |
|
---|---|
![]() A southeast view of Saint Mary's Church
|
|
51°32′54.384″N 0°3′34.1892″E / 51.54844000°N 0.059497000°E | |
Country | United Kingdom |
Denomination | Church of England |
History | |
Founded | 12th century |
Administration | |
Diocese | Chelmsford |
St Mary's Church, also known as the Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin, is a historic building in Little Ilford, east London. It is a Church of England church. You can find it on Church Road, near St Mary's Approach, St Winefride's Avenue, and Rectory Road. The church shares its land with St Mary's Rectory.
Contents
What is St Mary's Church?
St Mary's Church is a very old and important church. It has been a place of worship for many centuries. The church is located in a part of London that has a rich history. It is a special landmark in the area.
A Peek into History
The main parts of St Mary's Church were built a very long time ago, in the 12th century. That means it is over 800 years old! Over the years, some parts of the church were changed. For example, in 1724, the chancel (the part of the church where the altar is) was rebuilt. A south porch was also added. A special family chapel was built for the Lethieullier family at that time too.
From Parish to Chapel
For many years, St Mary's Church was a parish church. This means it was the main church for the local area. However, in 1938, its role changed. It became a chapel of ease for St Michael's Church, Romford Road in Manor Park, London. A chapel of ease is a smaller church that helps a larger parish church. It makes it easier for people to attend services if the main church is far away.
What Does "Grade I Listed" Mean?
St Mary's Church is listed at Grade I. This is a very important status for a building in the United Kingdom. It means the church is considered to be of exceptional historical or architectural interest. Buildings with this listing are protected by law. This helps make sure they are kept safe and preserved for future generations to enjoy.