St Mary Magdalene's Church, Launceston facts for kids

Quick facts for kids St Mary Magdalene’s Church, Launceston
St Mary Magdalene’s Church, Launceston
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 church. It is known for its amazing carvings. The outside of the original church building is completely covered in 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 historically.

History of the Church

The first church building here was built in the 1100s. However, almost all of that old church has been replaced. Only the tower remains from those very early days. For a long time, the church was looked after by Launceston Priory, a type of monastery.

Building the Current Church

The church building you see today, apart from the old tower, was built between 1511 and 1524. A man named Sir Henry Trecarrel had it built. He wanted it to be a special memorial for his baby son.

After Launceston Priory closed down in 1539, the town's leaders, called the Corporation, took over. They became responsible for hiring priests and keeping the church in good repair. Around 1550, the lead roof needed fixing. The Corporation hired a plumber to melt down the old lead and put new lead on the roof. In 1640, the Mayor paid for new glass for the church windows.

Changes Over the Years

In 1718, a special balcony, called a gallery, was added at the back of the church. This helped create more space for people to sit during services. In 1809, iron railings were bought for the church. These railings were later removed at the start of the Second World War to help with the war effort.

Memorial to Thomas Prockter Ching, a young sailor who was shipwrecked in the Torres Straits.

In 1852, some important repairs were made. The pillars inside the church were straightened, and the roof was replaced. Local builders from Launceston did the work. The church's organ was also taken apart and cleaned. The church reopened for services on December 28, 1852.

Launceston St Mary Magdalene Pulpit and Gothic Rood Screen.

More restoration work happened in 1894. A side chapel was added to the south side of the church. New seating was put in, and beautiful oak benches were made for the middle aisles. New choir stalls were also added. The wood carving was done by Charles Trask and Sons.

The church organ was moved to its current spot in 1904. The gallery that was built in 1718 was taken down in 1910. In 1911, a new chancel screen was added. This screen is about 4.6 meters high and 6.1 meters wide. It was made by Rashleigh Pinwill and was dedicated to celebrate the church's 400th anniversary.

Vicars of the Church

Many different vicars have served at St Mary Magdalene's Church over the centuries. Here are some of them:

The Church Organ

St Mary Magdalene's Church has had organs for a very long time. An organ was put in the church in 1723. It was likely built by Thomas Swarbrick. This organ has been changed and updated many times over the years. You can find more details about the organ on the National Pipe Organ Register.

Church Organists

Here are some of the people who have played the organ at the church:

• Robert Martin (around 1760 - 1800)
• Philip Martin (1800 - 1830)
• Thomas Peter Hamlin (1830 - 1871)
• Thomas Dalby (1871 - 1898)
• William Clotworthy (before 1907)
• David John Coldwell (1907 - 1943)
• Royland Jordan (from 1945)

Church Bells

The church tower holds a set of 8 bells. These bells were made by John Taylor & Co in 1938. They are located in Loughborough.