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St Mary & St Hugh, Old Harlow facts for kids
| St Mary & St Hugh, Old Harlow | |
|---|---|
St Mary's & St Hugh's Church
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| 51°46′56″N 0°08′53″E / 51.78229°N 0.14809°E | |
| Denomination | Church of England |
| Website | St Mary's Church |
| History | |
| Dedication | Saint Mary and Saint Hugh |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Parish church |
| Heritage designation | Grade II |
| Designated | 05 July 1950 |
| Architectural type | Church |
| Administration | |
| Parish | Harlow |
| Deanery | Harlow |
| Archdeaconry | Harlow |
| Diocese | Chelmsford |
| Province | Canterbury |
St Mary & St Hugh's Church is a special building in Old Harlow, a town in Essex, England. It's a Church of England parish church, which means it's a local church that serves the people living in that area.
Contents
What is St Mary & St Hugh's Church?
St Mary & St Hugh's Church is a place where people in Old Harlow can go to worship and be part of a community. It's an important part of the town's history and daily life. The church is dedicated to two saints: Saint Mary, who was the mother of Jesus, and Saint Hugh.
A Look at Its History
This church has been around for a very long time! It has seen many changes in Old Harlow over the centuries.
How Old Is It?
The church is very old, dating back to the medieval period. This means it was built hundreds of years ago, sometime between the 5th and 15th centuries. Because it's so old and important, it was given a special status on July 5, 1950. It became a Grade II listed building. This means it's recognized as a building of special historic or architectural interest, and it's protected so it can be preserved for the future.
How Was It Changed?
Even though it's very old, the church has been looked after and updated over time. Between 1878 and 1880, a famous architect named Henry Woodyer completely "restored" it. This means he worked to repair and improve the church, making sure it stayed strong and beautiful while keeping its original style.
What Does It Look Like?
St Mary & St Hugh's Church has a unique design that you might notice if you visit.
Inside and Out
The church has a "cruciform plan." This means its shape, when viewed from above, looks like a cross. This was a common design for churches built a long time ago. At the center of the cross shape, where the main parts of the church meet, there's a tower. On top of this tower, you'll see a tall, pointed roof called a "shingled broach spire." A spire is a tall, narrow, pointed structure on top of a tower, and "shingled" means it's covered with overlapping pieces of wood or other material.
Who Helps Run the Church?
A church like St Mary & St Hugh's needs people to help it run smoothly and serve its community.
The Vicar's Role
The main leader of the church is called the "vicar." At St Mary & St Hugh's, the vicar is Reverend Sarah Swift. The vicar is responsible for leading church services, looking after the church building, and supporting the people in the parish. They help guide the spiritual life of the community.