St Mary de Lode Church, Gloucester facts for kids
St Mary de Lode Church is a historic Church of England church located right next to Gloucester Cathedral. Many people believe it stands on the very first Christian church site in Britain. This church is part of the Diocese of Gloucester and is considered a very important historical building, listed as Grade I by English Heritage. It has also been known by other names like St. Mary Before the Gate of St. Peter and St. Mary Broad Gate.
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The Church's Long History
The name "Lode" comes from an old English word. It means a water path or a place where a ferry crossed. In this case, it refers to a ferry that once crossed a part of the River Severn near the church. This part of the river no longer exists today.
Ancient Roots: Roman and Early Christian Times
In 1979, archaeologists dug up parts of the church floor. They found that the church was built on top of two old Roman buildings. The first building was likely a bathhouse from the second century. It was destroyed in the fifth century.
After that, a wooden mausoleum (a building for burials) was built there. It held three burials. This mausoleum was later destroyed by fire. Then, several other buildings were constructed, which experts believe were early churches. These eventually led to the medieval church we see today. Some think the very first church here was built by the British people after the Romans left, even before the Anglo-Saxons arrived in the area.
Medieval Times and Legends
The first time a church here was mentioned in written records was in the late 1000s. Back then, it had a main hall (nave), a special area for the altar (chancel), and a tower. This tower was destroyed by fire in 1190. A new chancel was then built in the 1200s.
There's a local story, first written down in the 1700s, that says the church is the burial place of the legendary King Lucius. He was said to be the first Christian king of Britain. The legend claims he started a bishopric (a church district led by a bishop) in Gloucester in the second century AD. This story, along with the archaeological findings, has led to the belief that the church was built on an ancient Roman temple site and was Britain's first Christian church.
A stone figure in the north wall of the chancel was once thought to be King Lucius. However, it was made in the 1300s and shows a priest with a special haircut called a tonsure. It might be William de Chamberleyn, who was the vicar (a type of priest) there from 1302 to 1305.
English Civil War Period
During the English Civil War, the church was used as a prison. In March 1643 and again in 1646, royalist soldiers were held there. These soldiers had been captured by Sir William Waller and Lieut. Col. Edward Massey.
Church Design and Features
The church has a central tower built around 1190 in the Norman style. The main hall (nave) was rebuilt in 1826. It was designed in an early Gothic Revival style, using cast iron columns. This work was done by James Cooke, a local stone carver.
A Norman arch connects the nave to the tower. The tower has a rounded ceiling, like a barrel. Another arch from the 1200s connects the tower to the chancel. The chancel was started around 1190, like the tower, but was made longer and given a vaulted ceiling in the 1200s.
The church was repaired and updated several times in the 1800s and early 1900s. In 1980, the western part of the nave was changed to be used as a church hall. The church has an eight-sided pulpit. It seems to be made from carved wooden panels from the 1400s. There is also an organ from the 1700s. It was moved to St Mary de Lode in 1972 from St Nicholas, Westgate Street, which was no longer in use.
Beautiful Stained Glass and Memorials
The church features beautiful stained glass windows. These windows remember the Royal Gloucestershire Hussars, a military group, and Ivor Gurney, a famous poet from Gloucester.
Outside the church, in its grounds, there is a monument. It honors Bishop John Hooper, who was executed in Gloucester by being burned at the stake.
St Mary de Lode Today
St Mary de Lode is still an active church. It holds regular services and has a Sunday School for children. The church's parish (its local area) is now combined with those of St Swithun's in Hempsted and St Mary de Crypt.
The church is also a popular place for concerts. The Gloucester Music Society often holds its performances there.
See also
- Grade I listed buildings in Gloucestershire
