St Mary Magdalene Church, Sandringham facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Mary Magdalene Church |
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 St Mary Magdalene Church
Location in Norfolk
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| 52°49′42″N 0°30′32″E / 52.828204°N 0.508924°E | |
| Location | Sandringham Estate, Sandringham, Norfolk, PE35 6EH |
| Country | England |
| Denomination | Church of England |
| Churchmanship | Traditional Anglican |
| History | |
| Status | Active |
| Dedication | St Mary Magdalene |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Parish church |
| Heritage designation | Grade II* listed |
| Administration | |
| Parish | Sandringham with West Newton and Appleton |
| Deanery | Heacham and Rising |
| Archdeaconry | Archdeaconry of Lynn |
| Diocese | Diocese of Norwich |
St Mary Magdalene Church is a special church located in Sandringham, England. It is very close to Sandringham House, which is a royal home. Members of the British Royal Family often come here for church services. This includes their Christmas celebrations!
The church is named after Mary Magdalene, who was a follower of Jesus. The main priest, called the Rector, is currently Reverend Canon Paul Williams.
Contents
Exploring the Church's History
This church is a very old and important building. It is listed as a Grade II* building, meaning it has special historical interest. The church was built in the 16th century, which is over 500 years ago! It was later updated by architects S. S. Teulon in 1855 and Arthur Blomfield in 1890.
The church is built in a style called "Perpendicular Gothic." This is a type of English Gothic architecture that was popular a long time ago. It is also special because it is made from a unique stone called carrstone. You can find the church in the beautiful park of Sandringham Estate. There is a lovely path lined with old Scotch firs that leads from Sandringham House to the church.
Art and Special Features Inside
The church has many beautiful decorations and stained glass windows. A famous artist named Charles Eamer Kempe created much of this artwork. He also made a stained glass window for Buckingham Palace in 1903.
You can also see a silver altar and a silver reredos (a screen behind the altar). These were given to Queen Alexandra by an American businessman named Rodman Wanamaker. He also gave her a silver pulpit and a very old silver cross from the 17th century. Look out for a marble font from Florence, Italy, and a Greek font that is even older, from the 9th century!
Royal Connections: Burials and Baptisms
This church has been a part of many important royal events.
Royal Burials at the Church
Many members and relatives of the Royal Family have memorials here. Some are buried in the church or in the churchyard outside. For example, Prince John, who was born in 1905 and passed away in 1919, is buried here.
After King George VI passed away in 1952, his body was placed in the church for two days. This happened before he was moved to Westminster Hall for a special ceremony.
Royal Baptisms at the Church
The church has been the location for many royal baptisms. A baptism is a special ceremony where someone is welcomed into the Christian faith. Here are some of the royals who were baptised here:
- King George VI on 10 February 1896
- Mary, Princess Royal and Countess of Harewood on 7 June 1897
- King Olav V of Norway on 11 August 1903
- Prince John on 3 August 1905
- Diana, Princess of Wales on 30 August 1961
- Princess Eugenie on 23 December 1990
- Princess Charlotte of Wales on 5 July 2015
