St Mary and St John Church, Hinxton facts for kids
The St Mary and St John Church is a special old church in the village of Hinxton, which is in Cambridgeshire, England. It's a Church of England church, meaning it's part of the main Christian church in England. This church serves the local community, acting as a "parish church" where people can gather for services and events.
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Discovering the Church's History
This church is very old, dating back to medieval times. It's built from flint and rubble, which are common materials for churches from that period. The style of the building is called "Early English," which was popular around the 1200s.
What Makes Up the Church?
The church has several important parts:
- The chancel and nave are the oldest parts, built around the year 1200. The chancel is where the altar is, and the nave is the main area where people sit.
- There's a south aisle and a south chapel that were added in the 1300s. A "chapel" is a smaller room used for prayer.
- You'll also find a south porch, which is the entrance area.
- At the western end, there's a tall tower with a pointed roof called a spire. This spire is covered in lead and holds a clock and two bells. These bells were first put up in 1903.
- Some other parts of the church were built later, between the 1400s and 1800s.
A Protected Historic Building
St Mary and St John Church is a very important historical building. It's officially listed as a Grade II* building. This means it's considered a particularly important building of more than special interest. This listing helps protect it so it can be enjoyed for many more years.
The Church's Early Beginnings
The first time we hear about a church being on this spot was way back in 1092. At that time, a local official named Picot of Cambridge, who was the sheriff, gave the church to a religious community. This community later became known as Barnwell Priory in Cambridge. A "priory" was a type of monastery where monks lived and prayed.
Changes Over the Years
The way the church is managed has changed a few times.
- In 1930, the church's leader (the vicar) also became responsible for the church in the nearby village of Ickleton. However, people in Hinxton weren't happy about this, so the decision was changed in 1955.
- Since 1558, a college called Jesus College, Cambridge has been in charge of choosing the church's vicar. This right is called an "advowson."
- Today, St Mary and St John Church works closely with two other churches: St Peter's Church in Duxford and St Mary Magdalene Church in Ickleton. They all share a leader and work together.
