St Mary's Church, Old Dilton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Mary's Church |
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| Location | Old Dilton, Wiltshire, England |
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Listed Building – Grade I
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| Designated | 11 September 1968 |
| Reference no. | 1021476 |
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St Mary's Church is a very old and special church located in a small place called Old Dilton in Wiltshire, England. It was built a long, long time ago, in the 1300s! This church is so important that it's officially recognized as a Grade I listed building. This means it's one of the most historically significant buildings in England. Today, St Mary's Church is no longer used for regular church services. It is looked after by a group called the Churches Conservation Trust, which helps protect old churches. The church officially became part of their care in 1974.
The church is found near the Biss Brook in the small area of Old Dilton. It is about 1+1⁄2 miles (2.4 km) southwest of the town of Westbury. Long ago, it was a smaller church connected to the main Westbury parish church. In the early 1800s, a priest from Westbury was assigned to help out at Old Dilton. Later, in 1894, when the area of Dilton Marsh became its own parish, the church ended up just inside the new boundary.
Contents
Church Design and History
What the Church Looks Like
The church building has several main parts. These include the nave (the main part where people sit), the chancel (the area near the altar), a north chapel, a north aisle, and a vestry. The entrance porch on the south side, with its pointed roof, is thought to be from the original 14th-century building. However, most of the church you see today was built in the 1400s. It also has a small stone spire at its western end.
Inside the Church
The inside of St Mary's Church was updated in the 1700s. You can see special box pews, which are like private seating areas. There is also a tall, three-level pulpit where the priest would give sermons. The church has two small galleries, which are like balconies. One gallery, located over the north side of the chancel, was even used as a schoolroom and has its own fireplace! The font, used for baptisms, is made of stone and has eight sides, dating back to the 1400s. You can also see the Royal Arms of King George III in the chancel.
One interesting fact about the church is that it does not have any electricity. This means it relies on natural light or candles.
Changes Over Time
By the early 1800s, Old Dilton had become a very small place. More people were living in nearby Dilton Marsh. A new church was finished in Dilton Marsh in 1844. Because of this, the old St Mary's Church closed for regular services in 1900. Even after closing, it was still used for special events like harvest festivals.
Protecting the Church
Restoration Efforts
Over the years, important work has been done to keep the church in good condition. Conservation work happened in the 1930s and 1950s. This work was paid for by a group called the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings. The church is still considered a sacred place, and its structure is cared for by the Churches Conservation Trust.
Since the year 2000, even more restoration work has taken place. This work has focused on fixing problems caused by dampness, different types of wood rot, and tiny insects called weevils. For example, new drains and gutters were installed around the church for the very first time in its history. Today, two special services are held at the church each year.
See also
