St Mary's Church, Anstey facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Mary's Church, Anstey |
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The Church viewed from the South-west
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| 52°40′19″N 1°11′20″W / 52.6720°N 1.1888°W | |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Denomination | Church of England |
| History | |
| Founded | 14th century |
| Specifications | |
| Materials | Mountsorrel granite & Swithland slate |
| Bells | 8 |
| Administration | |
| Parish | Anstey, Leicestershire |
| Diocese | Leicester |
St Mary's Church is a historic Church of England building in Anstey, Leicestershire. It serves as the main church for the local community.
Contents
Exploring St Mary's Church
This church stands in the oldest part of Anstey village. It is built from strong local stones like Mountsorrel granite and Swithland slate. The roof is made of Westmorland slate.
A Look at History and Design
The church has parts that date back to the 14th or 15th century, showing its Norman origins. However, much of the church was rebuilt between 1845 and 1846. This big project cost £4,000 and was paid for by the church's leader at the time, Revd. Richard Waterfield. You can still see an old Norman doorway on the north side of the church.
Some of the stone carvings, called gargoyles, on three sides of the church are from an even older time, known as the Early English style. St Mary's Church is considered a special building and is listed as a Grade II historic site. Records show that a small chapel existed in Anstey as early as 1220. Anstey officially became its own church area in 1867.
Special Windows and Memorials
Inside the church, the windows are not just for light. Some are beautiful memorials. One window remembers Revd. Richard Waterfield, who helped rebuild the church. Another honors Elliot John Norman Galer. There is also a special window that remembers those from the village who bravely lost their lives in World War I.
The Church Bells and Organ
The church tower holds eight bells. One of these bells is very unique. It has an inscription that says it was "Recast in the year of the accession of King Edward VIII". This is believed to be the only bell in Britain with this specific message. King Edward VIII had a very short reign, which makes this bell quite rare.
The church also has an organ, which was built in 1926 by Taylors of Leicester. On the south wall of the tower, you can see a clock. This clock was made by W. Jolley of Leicester and was given to the church in 1772 by Robert and Thomas Martin, who were church leaders at the time.
- Inside St Mary's Church
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Gargoyle, North wall of tower
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Head carving
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Head carvings
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Head carvings & lion head gargoyle
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Angel carving
The Churchyard
The area around the church, called the churchyard, is also full of history.
Historic Tombs and Cross
You can find the Heard Family tombs here. These tombs are also listed as Grade II historic sites. They were built in 1740 and 1803, with headstones from 1739 and 1743.
The churchyard also contains parts of a cross from the 15th century. You can see its base stone and part of the tall shaft. This cross is also a Grade II listed building and a protected historic site.
The Churchyard Wall
Even the wall that goes around the churchyard on three sides is a Grade II listed building. It shows how old and important the entire church area is.
