St Mary the Virgin, Gillingham, Dorset facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St. Mary the Virgin |
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| Denomination | Church of England |
| Churchmanship | Liberal Catholic |
| Website | www.achurchnearyou.com/church/6802/ |
| History | |
| Dedication | Blessed Virgin Mary |
| Architecture | |
| Heritage designation | Grade I listed |
| Designated | 16 August 1960 |
| Administration | |
| Parish | Gillingham, Dorset |
| Deanery | Blackmore Vale |
| Archdeaconry | Dorset |
| Diocese | Salisbury |
| Province | Canterbury |
St Mary's Church is the main church for the town of Gillingham in Dorset, England. It is part of the Church of England, which is a Christian church. This historic building has been a place of worship for many years.
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Discovering St. Mary's Church
St. Mary's Church is a special place with a long history. It has been around for centuries. Most of the church you see today, especially the main part called the nave, was built in the early 1800s during the Victorian era.
Ancient Roots
Even though much of the church is from the Victorian era, people believe Christians have worshipped here since Anglo-Saxon times. That was over 1,000 years ago!
You can see proof of this history. There's a special stone with a cool woven pattern. It's thought to be part of a cross from the 800s. This cross might have been used for preaching outdoors or as a marker for a grave. Today, this ancient stone is kept safe in a museum.
Older Parts of the Church
While the nave is newer, the chancel is much older. The chancel is the part of the church where the choir sings and the altar is located. Its five large, pointed windows have a special design called trefoil heads. This shows that the chancel was built in the 1300s. This style is known as Decorated Gothic.
On the north wall of the chancel, close to the floor, you can see an archway. This was once an Easter Sepulchre. This was a special place used during Easter celebrations.
Unique Features
Some parts of the church, like the ends of the wooden benches, a screen at the east end of the north aisle, and the font (where baptisms happen), are from the 1400s and 1500s. This style is called Perpendicular Gothic.
The Chapel of the Good Shepherd
The Chapel of the Good Shepherd is a quiet place within the church. It was given by Mr. and Mrs. Carlton Cross. They wanted to remember their son, who sadly died in France during the First World War. He was helping wounded soldiers when he was killed.
A famous architect named W. D. Caroe designed this chapel. He also designed other beautiful parts of churches, like a section of the Lady Chapel in Sherborne Abbey.
The Reredos
Behind the main altar in the chancel, there is a beautiful carved screen called a reredos. This reredos is another reminder of the First World War.
It was given in 1925 by Mr. and Mrs. Matthews. They gave it to remember their two sons who also died in the war. The person who carved this reredos was Nathaniel Hitch. You can see his other amazing work in famous places like Westminster Abbey and Truro Cathedral.
Remembering Those Who Served
In St. Catherine's Chapel, you can see special plaques hanging above the Jacobean communion table. These are memorials to people who died in the First World War.
Nearby, there is also a Book of Remembrance. This book lists everyone from the area who served in the two world wars, and especially those who lost their lives. It's a way to honor their bravery and sacrifice.
St. Mary's Church continues to be an important part of the Gillingham community. It is still being updated and cared for, just as it has been for hundreds of years.
