St Mary the Virgin, Mortlake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Mary the Virgin, Mortlake |
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| Location | Mortlake High Street London SW14 8JA |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Denomination | Church of England |
| Churchmanship | Central/Liberal |
| History | |
| Founded | 1348 |
| Architecture | |
| Style | Tudor, with more recent additions |
| Years built | from 1543 |
| Administration | |
| Parish | Mortlake with East Sheen |
| Deanery | Richmond and Barnes |
| Archdeaconry | Archdeaconry of Wandsworth |
| Episcopal area | Kingston Episcopal Area |
| Diocese | Southwark |
St Mary the Virgin, Mortlake is an important parish church located in Mortlake, which is part of the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames. It belongs to the Church of England. The main priest, called the rector, is The Revd Canon Dr Ann Nickson.
The church building is on Mortlake High Street in London. It was first built in 1543. Today, it is a Grade II* listed building, which means it is very important and protected.
Contents
History of St Mary's Church
The very first church in Mortlake was a small chapel. It was built in 1348. This old chapel stood by the river on the High Street.
The only part left from that first chapel is a 15th-century font. A font is a special bowl used for baptisms. Archbishop Bourchier gave this font to the church.
How King Henry VIII Helped
The land for the current church and its churchyard was given to the area by King Henry VIII. This happened in 1543. A stone on the church tower remembers this gift.
The stone has the words "VIVAT RH8 1543" on it. This means "Long Live Henry VIII 1543".
Changes to the Church Building
The church built in 1543 has changed a lot over time. Many parts have been added or rebuilt. Only the tower from the original Tudor church is still standing.
The tower has a belfry (where the bells are) and a cupola (a small dome). These parts make the tower special. You can see the tower in many old pictures of the Thames riverbank.
Most of the church you see today was designed by Sir Arthur Blomfield. He was a local architect. He built the chancel (the area around the altar) in 1885. His company then built the nave (the main part of the church where people sit) in 1905.
The vestry house, a building next to the church, is even older. It was built in 1670. It was repaired and made new again in 1979 and 1980.
Inside the Church
The church has a pulpit where sermons are given. This pulpit was put in place in 1902. It was a gift to remember Albert Shadwell Shutt. He was the church's vicar from 1866 to 1896.
Important Memorials
The oldest grave in the churchyard belongs to John Partridge. He was an astrologer who died in 1715.
There are also memorials for other famous people. These include Henry Addington, 1st Viscount Sidmouth, who was a British Prime Minister. Three Lord Mayors of London are also remembered here.
A special memorial for John Dee was put up in June 2013. John Dee (1527–1609) was a famous scholar. He lived across the street from the church. He is buried in an unmarked spot under the chancel.
St Mary's Church Today
St Mary's Church is part of a larger group of churches. It works with Christ Church, East Sheen and All Saints' Church, East Sheen. Together, they form the parish of Mortlake with East Sheen.
The parish creates a monthly magazine called Parish Link. St Mary's Church follows the Central and Liberal ways of the Church of England. Services are held on Tuesday, Saturday, and Sunday mornings.
The churchyard has beautiful gardens called Mortlake Quiet Gardens. These gardens are connected to The Quiet Garden Trust. They offer a peaceful place for people to relax.
Images for kids
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South door
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John Dee memorial plaque installed in 2013 inside the church
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The north face of the tower
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Sculpture by the front door
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East window
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Altar
