St Mary the Virgin, Hanbury facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Mary the Virgin, Hanbury |
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Church of St Mary the Virgin, Hanbury
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| Location | Hanbury, Worcestershire |
| Country | England |
| Denomination | Anglican |
| Website | http://www.hanburychurch.org/ |
| History | |
| Status | Parish church |
| Founded | c. 1210 |
| Dedication | Saint Mary the Virgin |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Active |
| Administration | |
| Diocese | Worcester |
| Province | Canterbury |
The church of St Mary the Virgin is an Anglican church in the village of Hanbury, Worcestershire. It is a parish church, which means it serves the local community. The oldest parts of the church were built around the year 1210. It is a very important historical building, listed as Grade I. This means it has special historical or architectural importance. The church was also the family church for the Vernon family, who lived nearby at Hanbury Hall.
Contents
Looking at the Church from Outside
The church is built in two main styles: Early English and Georgian. It uses sandstone for its walls and has roofs made of slate and plain tiles. The roof edges have low walls called parapets.
The Tower and Its Features
At the west end of the church, there is a tall tower. This tower was rebuilt in 1793. It has three main sections, or "stages." The bottom part of the tower acts as a porch and the main entrance. It has a fancy arched doorway. There is also a large round window, called an oculus, on the side.
The second stage of the tower has pointed windows. The top stage is the belfry, where the church bells are kept. It also has similar windows with openings for the sound of the bells to come out. Above this, there is a decorated border and a wall with battlements, which was repaired in the mid-1900s.
Other Outside Details
The church has several windows with pointed arches. Some of these windows still have stonework from the 1300s. The south side of the church has a single-sloped roof and strong supports called buttresses. There are also two flat-roofed windows, called dormers, in the main church roof.
The chancel, which is the part of the church near the altar, was built around 1860. It has three sections with buttresses at the ends. The large east window has three lights (sections). The north side of the church has four tall, narrow windows called lancets and a rose window above them.
Churchyard and Tombs
The churchyard is the area around the church. Here, you can find the grave of Emma Vernon (1754–1818), who inherited the Hanbury Estate. There is also a war grave for a soldier from World War II.
The church also has a special area called the Vernon Chapel. This chapel has a central pointed doorway with detailed carvings. Above this door is a window with three lights. Next to it, there is a monument for Thomas Bowater Vernon, who passed away in 1859.
Inside the Church
The inside of the church has a main area called the nave, with aisles on the north and south sides. There is also a chancel, where the altar is, and north and south transepts (parts that stick out like arms of a cross). There is also a vestry and a south chapel. Inside the porch, a wooden staircase leads up to the belfry and a gallery at the west end.
Arches and Columns
The south arcade, which is a row of arches and columns, dates back to about 1210. It has round columns, one of which still has a special carved top called a capital. The north arcade has eight-sided columns with capitals from the 1300s. The arch leading to the tower is pointed and has three carved layers. The arch leading to the chancel is also pointed and has a "dog-tooth" pattern.
Roofs and Special Features
Throughout the church, the roofs are shaped like a wagon, with a rounded, plastered ceiling in the nave and aisles. In the chancel and transepts, the roofs are beautifully painted. The chancel also has special stone basins called a piscina and sedilia, and a cupboard called an aumbry.
Memorials and Stained Glass
There are many memorials inside the church. In the Vernon Chapel, there is a large monument to Thomas Vernon (who died in 1721). It shows a figure lying down, with figures representing Justice and Learning. There are also monuments to Bowater Vernon (died 1835) and Thomas Taylor Vernon (died 1837).
In the chancel, there is a wall memorial to Richard Vernon (died 1627) with two kneeling figures. The east window of the Vernon Chapel and the north transept have beautiful stained glass from the 1800s.
The Bells
The church has a set of eight bells that date back to 1678. These bells are still in excellent condition and are used regularly.
Church History
The church was restored and updated around 1860 by a famous architect named George Edmund Street.
A valuable silver-gilt Communion service (special cups and plates used in church services) was given to the church by Bowater Vernon. This service was made by a French silversmith named Simon Pantin.
Church Activities
The church is part of the Anglican Diocese of Worcester, which is a larger group of churches. It is also part of the Province of Canterbury.
The church has regular bell ringing sessions, organized by a local association.
Interestingly, St Mary the Virgin Church has been used as the fictional St Stephen's Church in the popular BBC Radio 4 series The Archers. It has been the setting for several recordings, including a wedding.
