St Mary's Perivale facts for kids
St Mary's Church in Perivale, London, is a very old building that dates back to the 12th or 13th century. For many years, it was a church dedicated to St Mary. It was known for being the smallest Anglican church in the old county of Middlesex, not counting those in the City of London.
Over time, a big road called the A40 was built. This road separated the church from most of the people who lived in its area. Because of this, in 1972, the church stopped being a regular parish church. A special group called the "Friends of St Mary" then took over the building. Today, it is used as an arts centre, where local people can enjoy art shows and classical music concerts.
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St Mary's Church: A Historic Building
St Mary's Church is a very old and special building. It was built many centuries ago, either in the 1100s or 1200s. For hundreds of years, it served as a place of worship for the local community. It was quite small, making it unique among churches in the Middlesex area.
From Church to Arts Centre
As the city of London grew, a major road, the A40, was built. This road made it hard for people to get to St Mary's Church. Because of this, in 1972, the church was no longer used for regular church services.
However, the local community didn't want to lose this historic building. A group called the "Friends of St Mary" was formed. They decided to take care of the church and give it a new purpose. Now, St Mary's is a lively arts centre. It hosts many events, like art exhibitions where you can see local artists' work, and classical music performances that fill the old church with beautiful sounds.
What is St Mary's Church Made Of?
The church is built from strong, natural materials. Its walls are made of "rag-stone" and "flint." Rag-stone is a type of rough, uneven stone, and flint is a hard, grey stone often found in chalk areas. The tower of the church is covered in white "weatherboarding," which are long, thin pieces of wood that overlap to protect the building from the weather.
Inside the church, there are three bells. These bells were made in 1949 as a special memorial for the people from the community who lost their lives in World War II. When they ring, they create a beautiful chime.
Protecting History: Grade I Listing
In 1950, St Mary's Church was given a "Grade I listed" status. This means it is considered a building of exceptional historical and architectural importance. It's like being on a very special list of buildings that are protected and must be preserved for future generations to enjoy.
See also
- Elthorne Hundred: This link shows a map of the old parishes, including Perivale, before their boundaries changed.
External links
- Web site for the church
