St Mary and St Martin's Church, Blyth facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Mary and St. Martin's Church, Blyth |
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| 53°22′50.38″N 01°3′42.82″W / 53.3806611°N 1.0618944°W | |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Denomination | Church of England |
| Churchmanship | Broad Church |
| History | |
| Dedication | St Mary & St Martin |
| Architecture | |
| Heritage designation | Grade I listed |
| Specifications | |
| Bells | 6 |
| Administration | |
| Parish | Blyth, Nottinghamshire |
| Deanery | Bassetlaw & Bawtry |
| Diocese | Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham |
| Province | York |
The St. Mary and St. Martin's Church in Blyth, Nottinghamshire, England, is a very old and important building. It is a Grade I listed parish church, which means it's considered one of the most historically significant buildings in the country.
History of the Priory
The church was once part of a Benedictine monastery called a priory. This priory was started in 1088 by a man named Roger de Busli, who was a follower of William the Conqueror. It is one of the oldest examples of Norman architecture in England.
The priory was first staffed by monks from a main monastery in France called Holy Trinity Priory in Rouen. Sometimes, monks had to be sent back to France if they caused problems or if they didn't like the climate in England.
Around 1536, the priory was closed down. This happened during a big change across England known as the Dissolution of the Monasteries. Many monasteries were closed by the king at that time.
The Parish Church Today
After the priory was closed, the eastern part of the church was taken down. A new tower was built at the western end of the nave, which is the main part of the church where people sit.
The church was repaired and updated in 1885 by an architect named C. Hodgson Fowler.
Organ
The church has an organ, and you can find more details about it on the National Pipe Organ Register website.
Viral Video
In 2013, the church became famous online because of a video posted on YouTube. The video showed a surprise "flash mob" wedding that took place inside the church.
See Also
- Grade I listed buildings in Nottinghamshire
- Listed buildings in Blyth, Nottinghamshire
