St Mary's Church, Totnes facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Mary’s Church, Totnes |
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St Mary’s Church, Totnes
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 St Mary’s Church, Totnes
Location in Devon
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| 50°25′54.4″N 3°41′17″W / 50.431778°N 3.68806°W | |
| Location | Totnes |
| Country | England |
| Denomination | Church of England |
| History | |
| Dedication | Saint Mary the Virgin |
| Architecture | |
| Heritage designation | Grade I listed |
| Designated | 7 January 1952 |
| Specifications | |
| Spire height | 120 feet (37 m) |
| Administration | |
| Parish | Totnes |
| Deanery | Totnes |
| Archdeaconry | Totnes |
| Diocese | Exeter |
| Province | Canterbury |
St Mary's Church in Totnes, Devon, is a very old and important church. It is a Grade I listed building, which means it's considered a special historical site in England. This church is part of the Church of England and serves the local community in Totnes.
Contents
History of St Mary's Church
This church was originally part of a Benedictine Priory of St Mary. A priory is like a monastery where monks or nuns live and worship. In the 1400s, the people of Totnes decided to completely rebuild their church.
Building the Church in the 1400s
The rebuilding project happened in different stages:
- The main part of the church, called the nave, was built first between 1432 and 1444.
- Next, the chancel, which is the area around the altar, was completed between 1445 and 1448.
- The tall tower was built from 1449 to 1459.
- Finally, the screen, which separates parts of the church, was finished between 1459 and 1460.
A skilled builder named Roger Crowden is believed to have designed the tower. Because the rest of the church looks similar, he might have designed the whole building. The pillars inside St Mary's Church are like those in St Mary's Church, Brixham, suggesting they might have had the same architect.
Special Features and Changes Over Time
The church has a special monument dedicated to Walter Smith, who passed away in 1555. It's located in the south chancel aisle and features a tomb with pretty decorations.
In 1824, an extra section called the outer north aisle was added to the church. Later, in 1869, a famous architect named Sir Gilbert Scott made more changes. He added more seats, which meant some old galleries (like balconies) could be removed.
The Church Organ
Churches often have organs for music. St Mary's Church likely had an organ even before the 1500s. The first organ after that time was put in place in 1720 and was used until 1817. A new organ by Flight and Robson was then installed.
The Current Pipe Organ
The organ you see today is very special. It was originally built by a famous organ maker, Father Henry Willis, for the Great Exhibition in 1851. This was a huge event in London to show off new inventions and art. The organ was then moved to Totnes and started being used on August 11, 1861.
Since then, the organ has been repaired and updated. It now has 3 keyboards (called manuals) and pedals, with 33 different sounds (called speaking stops). You can find more details about this amazing instrument in the National Pipe Organ Register.
Church Bells
The church tower holds a set of 8 bells that can be rung together to make music. These bells were made at different times:
- Four bells were made in 1732 by Abraham Rudhall.
- Two bells were made in 1863 by John Warner and Sons.
- One bell was made in 1897 by John Warner and Sons.
- The last bell was made in 1935 by Gillett & Johnston.
Images for kids
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The organ
