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 the north of Dorset. 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.
Contents
A Look at St. Mary's History
St. Mary's Church has a very long history. People believe Christians have been in this area since Anglo-Saxon times. This means over 1,000 years ago!
Ancient Discoveries
One piece of evidence is a special stone. It has a fancy, woven pattern. This stone is now in a museum. Experts think it's part of a cross from the 800s. It might have been a cross used for preaching outdoors or a marker for a grave.
Building Through the Ages
Most of the church you see today, especially the main part called the nave, was rebuilt in the early Victorian period. This was in the 1800s. However, some parts are much older.
The Chancel's Old Style
The chancel, which is the area where the choir sits and the altar is, is older. Its five large, pointed windows have a special shape called a trefoil at the top. This style shows it was built in the 1300s. This period is known as the Decorated Gothic style. On the north wall of the chancel, you can see an archway. This was once an Easter Sepulchre, a special place used during Easter celebrations.
Later Additions
Some parts of the church, like the ends of the wooden benches, are from the 1400s and 1500s. This style is called Perpendicular Gothic. You can also see a screen at the east end of the north aisle and the font (where baptisms happen) from this time.
Special Features and Memorials
St. Mary's Church has many beautiful and meaningful features. Some of these were added to remember important events and people.
The Chapel of the Good Shepherd
This special Chapel was given by Mr. and Mrs. Carlton Cross. They wanted to remember their son. He was a brave soldier who 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 parts of other important buildings, like Sherborne Abbey.
The Reredos
Behind the main altar, under the east window, is a beautiful carved screen called a reredos. This was also given to remember the sadness of the First World War. Mr. and Mrs. Matthews gave it in 1925. They lost two of their sons in the war. The artist who created this reredos was Nathaniel Hitch. His work can also be seen in famous places like Westminster Abbey and other cathedrals.
War Memorials
In St. Catherine's Chapel, you can see memorials hanging above the Jacobean communion table. These remember those who died in the First World War. There is also a Book of Remembrance nearby. This book lists everyone from Gillingham who served in both world wars, and especially those who died.
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St. Mary's Church continues to be an important place for the community. It has been cared for and improved over many centuries to meet the needs of people who worship there today.
