St Mary Magdalene's Church, East Ham facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Mary Magdalene'sChurch, East Ham |
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| 51°31′20.0964″N 0°3′31.6188″E / 51.522249000°N 0.058783000°E | |
| Country | England |
| Denomination | Church of England |
| History | |
| Founded | 12th century |
| Administration | |
| Parish | East Ham |
St Mary Magdalene's Church in East Ham, east London, is a very old and special church. It's dedicated to St Mary Magdalene. Parts of the church, like the main hall (nave), the area around the altar (chancel), and the rounded end (apse), were built in the early 1100s. The tower was likely built in the early 1200s, but it was partly rebuilt in the 1500s.
Many people believe it is the oldest church in Greater London that is still used for services every week. Because of its history and importance, it is listed as a Grade I building. This means it's considered a building of exceptional interest.
Contents
A Journey Through Time: The Church's History
St Mary Magdalene's Church has seen many changes over the centuries. Each part tells a story about the people who built and used it.
Early Days: 12th and 13th Centuries
The oldest parts of the church date back to the 1100s. Imagine how long ago that was! In the 1200s, a small space was carved into the south wall of the nave. This space held a piscina, which is a basin used for washing sacred vessels. Faint traces of old wall paintings from the 1200s can still be seen in the apse.
Changes in the 17th Century
In the early 1600s, the church's roofs were updated. In 1639, a man named Sir Richard Heigham gave the church its beautiful white marble font, which is still there today. You can also find memorials from the 1600s. One is for Edmond Nevill, who lived nearby and claimed a noble title. Another is for his daughter, Lady Katherine Nevill. There are also memorials for Giles Breame and William Heigham. A famous person named William Stukeley chose the churchyard as his final resting place. He is buried there without a monument.
The 18th and 19th Centuries: New Additions
The 1700s didn't bring many big changes to the church. However, some new features were added, like box pews (enclosed seats) and a tall, three-level pulpit. These were later replaced in the 1890s. In 1820, a special gallery was built at the west end for children. Ten years later, the south porch was turned into a vestry (a room for clergy). A new yellow-brick west porch was then built, leading into the tower.
In 1883, the church helped open a new mission church. This church later became St Michael and All Angels Church, Beckton Road. In 1896, the children's gallery was removed, and more restoration work was completed. By 1908, the south porch was no longer a vestry. A new vestry was created higher up in the tower. A major restoration in 1931 removed the ceilings in the apse and chancel. It also opened up the rood-loft stair and removed the outside plaster from the tower.
World War II and Modern Times
During The Blitz in 1941, which was a time of heavy bombing in London during World War II, the chancel roof was destroyed. All of the church's stained glass windows were also broken, and other parts of the church were damaged. However, repairs started right away. By the end of the war, the nave was fully restored. More big restoration projects happened in 1950 and again from 1965 to 1966.
Today, St Mary Magdalene's Church is part of the East Ham Team Parish. This parish is also known as the Parish of the Holy Trinity. It includes other churches like St Edmund's, St Bartholomew's, and St Alban's.
