St Mary's Church, Throwleigh facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Mary’s Church, Throwleigh |
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St Mary’s Church, Throwleigh
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 St Mary’s Church, Throwleigh
Location in Devon
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| 50°42′4.7″N 3°53′17″W / 50.701306°N 3.88806°W | |
| Location | Throwleigh |
| Country | England |
| Denomination | Church of England |
| History | |
| Dedication | St Mary the Virgin |
| Architecture | |
| Heritage designation | Grade I listed |
| Designated | 22 February 1967 |
| Specifications | |
| Spire height | 80 feet (24 m) |
| Administration | |
| Parish | Gidleigh with Throwleigh |
| Deanery | Okehampton |
| Archdeaconry | Totness |
| Diocese | Exeter |
| Province | Canterbury |
St Mary's Church is a very old and special church located in Throwleigh, a village in Devon, England. It's part of the Church of England and is known as a "parish church," meaning it serves the local community. This church is so important that it's been given a "Grade I listed" status, which means it's a building of exceptional historical and architectural interest. It was first built way back in the late 1200s!
History of the Church
The oldest parts of St Mary's Church were built between the late 1200s and early 1300s. However, much of the church was rebuilt and changed in the 1400s. Later, in the 1500s, a new section called the "north aisle" was added.
A famous expert named Pevsner noted the church for its "Easter Sepulchre." This was a special place used during Easter celebrations. The church also has a pulpit, which is a raised stand where sermons are given. This pulpit is made from old wooden panels that used to be part of a "rood screen" from 1544. A rood screen was a decorative barrier that separated parts of the church.
In 1884, the church underwent a big restoration project. This means it was repaired and updated to make it look good and safe again. The architect for this work was F. Hunt, and the building work was done by Aggatt and Underhill. During this time, new seats were put in the main part of the church, called the nave. The walls were cleaned and repaired, and an archway leading to the tower was opened up. The church was ready for services again on August 6, 1884.
The Church Organ
St Mary's Church has a pipe organ, which is a large musical instrument that makes sound using air blown through pipes. This organ is located at the back of the north aisle. It was originally built by a company called Bevington from London. Later, another company, Hele and Co from Plymouth, made it even bigger. You can find more details about this specific organ in a special record called the National Pipe Organ Register.
The Church Bells
The church tower holds a set of six bells, which are rung together to create music. This is called a "peal" of bells. The three oldest bells were made in 1763 by a bell founder named Pennington. The other three bells are newer, made in 1935 by a company called Gillett & Johnston.
