St Mary's Church, Atherstone facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St. Mary’s Church |
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St. Mary’s Church, Atherstone
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| 52°34′42.96″N 01°32′46.32″W / 52.5786000°N 1.5462000°W | |
| Country | England |
| Denomination | Church of England |
| Churchmanship | Broad Church |
| Website | stmarysatherstone.co.uk |
| History | |
| Status | Parish church |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | active |
| Heritage designation | Grade II* |
| Designated | 1968 |
| Style | Perpendicular Gothic chancel, Gothic Revival nave and aisles |
| Completed | C12 (possible origins), C13/14, C17, C18 |
| Specifications | |
| Materials | red sandstone,sandstone ashlar, Hartshill granite rubble |
| Administration | |
| Parish | Atherstone |
| Diocese | Diocese of Coventry |
St. Mary's Church, Atherstone is a very old and important building in Atherstone, Warwickshire, England. It is a parish church, which means it serves the local community. This church is also a Grade II* listed building. This means it's a special historical place that needs to be protected.
The stone parts of the church's tower are not in good shape. Because of this, the church is on the Historic England's Heritage at Risk Register. This list includes important historic places that need repairs to keep them safe.
Contents
History of the Church
A Long History
St. Mary's Church has been around for a very long time! Its story might go back to the early 1100s. Back then, some monks from a place called Bec gave land to a group of friars and hermits. These groups were later known as "Austin friars."
In 1542, the chapel was given to Henry Cartwright. After that, it was left empty and not looked after for many years.
Revival and Redesign
In 1692, things changed for St. Mary's Chapel. A man named Samuel Bracebridge made sure that a preacher would come to the chapel regularly. This helped the chapel become active again.
The church's square tower was rebuilt in 1782. It was designed in a popular style called "Gothic Revival." This style brought back ideas from medieval Gothic buildings.
The church was changed even more in 1849 by architects Thomas Henry Wyatt and David Brandon. Later, in 1888, the chapel part was restored to be used as the chancel (the area around the altar).
The Church Organ
Music in the Church
The first time we know of an organ being in St. Mary's Church was in 1852. This organ was made by a company called Holdich.
This first organ was replaced in 1898. The new organ came from Christ Church in South Banbury and was made by Henry Jones and Sons. You can find more details about this organ on the National Pipe Organ Register. This register keeps records of many pipe organs in Britain.
