St Mary Magdalene's Church, Launceston facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Mary Magdalene’s Church, Launceston |
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St Mary Magdalene’s Church, Launceston
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| Location | Launceston |
| Country | England |
| Denomination | Church of England |
| Churchmanship | Broad church |
| History | |
| Dedication | St Mary Magdalene |
| Architecture | |
| Groundbreaking | 1511 |
| Completed | 1524 |
| Administration | |
| Parish | Launceston |
| Deanery | Trigg Major |
| Archdeaconry | Bodmin |
| Diocese | Diocese of Truro |
| Province | Province of Canterbury |
St Mary Magdalene's Church in Launceston, Cornwall is a very special old church. It is known for its amazing carvings. The outside of the church is made entirely from carved granite blocks. This church is dedicated to Mary Magdalene, a friend of Jesus. It is a Grade I listed building, which means it is very important and protected.
History of the Church
The first church here was built a long time ago, in the 1100s. But most of that old building has been replaced. Only the tower remains from the earliest times. For many years, the church was managed by Launceston Priory, which was a type of monastery.
The main part of the church you see today was built between 1511 and 1524. A man named Sir Henry Trecarrel built it. He wanted it to be a memorial for his young son.
After 1539, when the King closed down monasteries like Launceston Priory, the town's leaders, called the Corporation, took over managing the church. They were in charge of hiring priests and making repairs. Around 1550, they fixed the lead roof. In 1640, the Mayor paid for new glass for the church windows.
In 1718, a special balcony, called a gallery, was added at the back of the church. This made more space for people to sit during services. In 1809, iron railings were bought for £222. These railings were later removed at the start of the Second World War to help with the war effort, as the metal was needed.
In 1852, the church had a big renovation. The pillars inside were straightened, and the roof was replaced. Local builders from Launceston did the work. The church's organ was also cleaned. The church reopened for services on December 28, 1852.
Another big restoration happened in 1894, costing £3,000. The original architect, John Dando Sedding, passed away, so his relatives finished the work. A small chapel was added to the side of the church. New wooden seats were put in, and special choir stalls were built. Many parts of the church were beautifully carved from wood.
In 1904, the organ was moved to its current spot. The old gallery was taken down in 1910. A new, tall screen was added in 1911 to celebrate the church's 400th birthday. This screen was made by Rashleigh Pinwill of Plymouth and cost £600.
Church Leaders (Vicars)
The church has had many vicars, who are like the main priests, over the centuries. Here are some of them:
- 1622 John Sainthill
- 1630 Jasper Hicks
- 1633 Edward Cubbins
- 1637 William Crompton
- 1648 Joseph Hull
- 1656 William Oliva
- 1663 John Ruddle
- 1699 Nathaniel Boughton
- 1715 William Bedford
- 1737 Charles Bedford
- 1763 John Bedford
- 1787 William Carpenter
- 1808 John Rowe
- 1837 George Buckmaster Gibbons
- 1866 Wickham Montgomery
- 1880 Samuel William Elderfield Bird
- 1883 John Benson Sidgwick
- 1890 Thomas Jackson Nunns
- 1907 Frank Ernest Lewis
- 1919 Norman Archibald Rivers-Tippett
- 1936 William Harrison Rigg
- 1945 W. George Steer
The Organ
St Mary Magdalene's Church has had organs for a very long time, even before the English Civil War. An organ was put in the church in 1723. It was likely built by Thomas Swarbrick. Over the years, this organ has been changed and updated many times. You can find more details about the organ on the National Pipe Organ Register website.
Organists
These are some of the people who have played the organ at the church:
- Robert Martin ca.1760 - 1800
- Philip Martin 1800 - 1830
- Thomas Peter Hamlin 1830 - 1871
- Thomas Dalby 1871 - 1898
- William Clotworthy ???? - 1907
- David John Coldwell FRCO 1907 - 1943
- Royland Jordan 1945 -
Church Bells
The church tower holds a set of 8 bells. These bells were made by a company called John Taylor & Co in 1938. They are located in Loughborough.
