St Mary the Virgin, Wheatley facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Church of St Mary the Virgin |
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St Mary's Church and graveyard
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| Location | Wheatley, Oxfordshire, England |
| Denomination | Church of England |
| Website | https://www.achurchnearyou.com/wheatley-st-mary-the-virgin/ |
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| Diocese | Oxford |
| Province | Canterbury |
The Church of St Mary the Virgin is a local church in Wheatley, a village in Oxfordshire, England. It belongs to the Church of England, which is the main Christian church in England. This church is part of the Diocese of Oxford, which is like a large church district.
The church was built between 1855 and 1857. It was designed by a famous architect named George Edmund Street. The building style is called Gothic Revival, which means it looks like older churches from the Middle Ages. The Church of St Mary the Virgin is considered a very important historical building and is listed at Grade II*.
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About St Mary's Church
The Church of St Mary the Virgin serves the local community in Wheatley. It is a place where people gather for worship, special events, and community activities.
Who Designed the Church?
The church was designed by George Edmund Street, a very well-known architect from the 1800s. He specialized in designing buildings in the Gothic Revival style. His work helped bring back the look of medieval architecture.
What is Gothic Revival Style?
The Gothic Revival style is a type of architecture that became popular in the 18th and 19th centuries. It copied the look of medieval Gothic buildings, especially churches and cathedrals. You can often see pointed arches, tall windows, and detailed stone carvings in this style.
A Special Building: Grade II* Listed
The Church of St Mary the Virgin is a "Grade II* listed" building. This means it's officially recognized as a very important historical building in England. Buildings with this special listing are protected, so they can't be changed or knocked down without special permission. This helps keep them safe for future generations to enjoy.
Famous Connections
The Church of St Mary the Virgin has a cool connection to a well-known person in British politics.
Theresa May's Family Link
A former vicar (which is like the main priest) of this church was the Reverend Hubert Brasier. He was the father of Theresa May, who later became the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. Theresa May herself was married at this very church! A Prime Minister is the leader of the country's government.
Remembering History
The churchyard, which is the area around the church, holds a special place for remembering history and those who served their country.
War Graves in the Churchyard
In the churchyard, there are three Commonwealth war graves. These are special graves for soldiers and sailors who died during major conflicts. One grave belongs to a soldier from the Wiltshire Regiment who died in World War I. The other two graves are for a Royal Navy sailor and a soldier from the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry who died during World War II. These graves remind us of the sacrifices made during these global wars.
