St Mary Magdalene Church, Hart facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Mary Magdalene Church |
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| 54°42′32″N 1°16′17″W / 54.70881°N 1.27133°W | |
| Country | England |
| Denomination | Church of England |
| History | |
| Founded | 675 AD |
| Dedication | Mary Magdalene |
| Architecture | |
| Architectural type | Anglo-Saxon |
| Administration | |
| Archdeaconry | Diocese of Durham |
St Mary Magdalene Church is an ancient Church of England parish church located in the village of Hart, in County Durham, England. It is the oldest church in the Hartlepool area, with its story beginning all the way back in 675 AD.
Because of its great age and historical importance, the church is a Grade I listed building. This is a special status given to buildings that are of exceptional interest and need to be protected. Parts of the church you can see today are incredibly old, with the main body of the church dating from the 1100s and its tower from the 1200s.
History of the Church
The site where St Mary Magdalene Church stands has been a place of worship for over 1,300 years. Its long history shows how building styles and communities have changed over the centuries.
Anglo-Saxon Origins
The first church on this spot was founded in 675 AD. It was likely a simple building made of wood, which was a common material during the Anglo-Saxon period. Later, this wooden structure was replaced with a more durable stone building. This early stone church had a chancel (the area around the altar) and a nave (the main area where people sit) without any side aisles.
Medieval Rebuilding
As the centuries passed, the church was rebuilt and expanded. The building we see today is mostly from the medieval period.
- The nave was built in the 12th century. This is the central part of the church where the congregation gathers for services.
- The tower was added in the 13th century. It stands as a strong and visible landmark in the village.
These additions show how the church grew in importance and how architectural styles developed from the early Anglo-Saxon period to the later medieval era.
