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. Some people believe it stands on the very spot where the first Christian church in Britain was built! This church is part of the Diocese of Gloucester and is a Grade I listed building, which means it's a very important historical site. It has also been known by other names like St. Mary Before the Gate of St. Peter and St. Mary Broad Gate.
Contents
The Church's Ancient History
The name "Lode" comes from an old English word meaning a water path or a place where a ferry crosses. This refers to a ferry that used to cross a part of the River Severn near the church, which isn't there anymore.
What Did Digs Reveal?
In 1979, archaeologists dug under the church floor. They found that the church was built on top of two old Roman buildings. The first building was probably a bathhouse from the 2nd century. It was destroyed in the 5th century.
After that, a wooden mausoleum (a building for burials) was built there. It held three graves. This mausoleum was later destroyed by fire. Then, a series of buildings, which experts think were early churches, were built on the site. These eventually led to the medieval church we see today. Some believe the very first church here was built by the British people after the Romans left, even before the Anglo-Saxons arrived.
Early Written Records
The first time this church is mentioned in written history is in the late 11th century. Back then, it had a main area (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 13th century.
The Legend of King Lucius
An old local story, first written down in the 18th century, says that the legendary King Lucius is buried here. King Lucius is 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 2nd century AD. This story, along with the archaeological findings, has led to the belief that St Mary de Lode Church was built on an ancient Roman temple site and was the first Christian church in Britain.
However, a tomb inside the church, which people once thought belonged to King Lucius, is actually from the 14th century. It shows a priest, possibly William de Chamberleyn, who was a vicar (a type of priest) there between 1302 and 1305.
The Church During the English Civil War
During the English Civil War, the church was used as a prison. In March 1643 and again in 1646, it held Royalist soldiers. These soldiers were captured by Sir William Waller and Lieut. Col. Edward Massey, who were fighting for Parliament.
Exploring the Church's Design
The church has a central tower built in the Norman style around 1190. The main part of the church, the 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.
An old Norman arch connects the nave to the tower. The tower has a barrel vault ceiling (a rounded, tunnel-like ceiling). Another arch from the 13th century connects the tower to the chancel. The chancel was started around 1190, like the tower, but was made longer and given its vaulted ceiling in the 13th century.
The church has been repaired and updated several times, in the 19th and early 20th centuries. In 1980, the western part of the nave was changed into a church hall. Inside, you can see an eight-sided pulpit. It seems to be made from carved wooden panels from the 15th century. There's also an organ from the 18th century, which was moved here in 1972 from St Nicholas Church on Westgate Street.
Special Windows and Memorials
The church has beautiful stained glass windows. Some of these remember the Royal Gloucestershire Hussars, a military group. Others honor Ivor Gurney, a famous poet from Gloucester.
Outside, in the church grounds, there is a monument to Bishop John Hooper. He was a religious leader who was burned at the stake in Gloucester.
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 is now part of a larger parish, combined with 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 here.
See also
- Grade I listed buildings in Gloucestershire
