St Mary's Church, Throwleigh facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Mary’s Church, Throwleigh |
|
|---|---|
St Mary’s Church, Throwleigh
|
|
 St Mary’s Church, Throwleigh
Location in Devon
|
|
| 50°42′4.7″N 3°53′17″W / 50.701306°N 3.88806°W | |
| OS grid reference | SX 66771 90775 |
| 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, Devon, England. It belongs to the Church of England. This church is so important that it has a "Grade I listed" status. This means it's a historic building that needs to be protected.
Contents
History of the Church
How Old is St Mary's?
The oldest parts of St Mary's Church were built a very long time ago. They date back to the late 1200s or early 1300s. Imagine how many years that is!
Changes Over Time
Most of the church was rebuilt in the 1400s. Later, in the 1500s, a new section called the north aisle was added. This shows how churches often grow and change over many centuries.
Special Features Inside
The church has a unique wooden pulpit. A pulpit is where the priest stands to give a sermon. This pulpit was made from parts of an even older screen from 1544. It's like a piece of history reused!
Restoration Work
In 1884, the church had a big makeover. This kind of work is called a restoration. During this time, new seats were put in the main part of the church, called the nave. The walls were also cleaned and repaired. This made the church ready for people to use and enjoy again.
The Church Organ
St Mary's Church has a pipe organ. This musical instrument is located at the back of the north aisle. It was first built by a company called Bevington from London. Later, another company, Hele and Co from Plymouth, made it even bigger. Organs make beautiful music for church services.
The Church Bells
How Many Bells?
The tower of St Mary's Church holds a set of six bells. When bells are played together, it's called a "peal."
When Were the Bells Made?
Three of these bells are very old, made in 1763. The other three bells were made much later, in 1935, by a company called Gillett & Johnston. These bells have rung out over Throwleigh for many, many years.
