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St Mary & All Saints' Church, Holcot facts for kids

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St Mary & All Saints' Church, Holcot
Church of St Mary and All Saints, Holcot, Northamptonshire.jpg
52°19′15″N 0°50′21″W / 52.32087°N 0.83905°W / 52.32087; -0.83905
Denomination Church of England
Administration
Deanery Brixworth
Archdeaconry Northampton
Diocese Diocese of Peterborough
Province Canterbury

St Mary & All Saints' Church is a very old and important church located in the village of Holcot, England. It belongs to the Church of England. This church is considered a special historic building, known as a Grade II listed building. You can find it on the west side of Main Street in Holcot.

A Look at St Mary & All Saints' Church

This church has a long history. People believe there was a church in Holcot as far back as 1086. This is because the Domesday Book, a famous survey from that time, mentions a priest living there. Even though the book didn't specifically say there was a church building, it suggests one likely existed.

How Old Is the Church Building?

The main parts of the church you see today were built a very long time ago. They were put together in the 13th and 14th centuries. That means some parts are over 700 years old! Over the years, the church has been repaired and updated. Big restoration projects happened in 1845 and again in 1889.

What Does the Church Look Like Inside?

The church has several main sections. It includes a nave, which is the main open area where people sit. On either side of the nave, there are north and south aisles. These are like hallways running along the sides. The church also has a chancel, which is the part near the altar, and a tall west tower.

Important Records and Connections

Churches often keep important records about the people in their parish.

Old Parish Registers

The church has kept records called parish registers since 1559. These books contain information about births, marriages, and deaths in the local area. The very old registers are now stored safely at the Northamptonshire Record Office. This helps historians learn about the past.

Working with Other Churches

St Mary & All Saints' Church in Holcot is part of a larger group called a united Benefice. This means it works closely with another church, All Saints' Church in Brixworth. Even though they work together, each church still has its own building and community.