St Mary the Virgin Church, Uttoxeter facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Mary's |
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| The Parish Church of Saint Mary the Virgin | |
St Mary's from the south east
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| OS grid reference | SK 093 335 |
| Location | Uttoxeter, Staffordshire |
| Country | England |
| Denomination | Church of England |
| History | |
| Dedication | St Mary the Virgin |
| Architecture | |
| Heritage designation | Grade II* listed |
| Architect(s) | Henry Yevele |
| Specifications | |
| Spire height | 179 feet (55 m) |
| Administration | |
| Parish | Uttoxeter |
| Deanery | Uttoxeter |
| Archdeaconry | Stoke On Trent |
| Diocese | Diocese of Lichfield |
| Province | Province of Canterbury |
St Mary's Church, also known as St Mary the Virgin's Church, is a historic church in the town of Uttoxeter, Staffordshire, England. It is the main parish church for the area. The church's tall tower and spire were built way back in the 14th century. A famous architect named Henry Yevele designed them. Later, parts of the church were rebuilt. The main part, called the nave, was rebuilt in 1828. The chancel, which is the area around the altar, was rebuilt in 1877. St Mary's is considered a very important old building. It has a special status as a Grade II* listed building.
There are actually two churches named St Mary's in Uttoxeter. To avoid confusion, the other one is often called "The Heath Mission Church."
Contents
History of St Mary's Church
The original church was built in the 14th century, which means it's over 600 years old! By 1828, the church was too small for the growing town. So, the nave, the main part where people sit, was rebuilt. This work was designed by an architect named James Trubshaw.
Later, in 1877, the chancel was rebuilt and made longer. This part of the church was designed by Frederick Josias Robinson from Derby. The chancel was extended by about 4 meters (14 feet). A special gallery was built on the south side, above the vestry, to hold the church organ. Before this, the organ was in the west gallery of the church. The beautiful stained glass window at the east end of the church was carefully moved and put back in the new chancel. The church officially reopened on April 29, 1877.
How St Mary's Church is Managed
St Mary's is the main church in the Uttoxeter area. It is part of a group of churches called the Uttoxeter Area of parishes. This group includes:
- Christ Church in Upper Tean
- St Lawrence's Church in Bramshall
- St Mary and All Saints' Church in Checkley
- St Mary the Virgin's Church in Gratwich
- St John the Baptist's Church in Kingstone
- All Saints' Church in Leigh
- St Peter's Church in Marchington
- St John's Church, Marchington Woodlands
- St Michael and All Angels' Church in Stramshall
- Heath Mission Church in Uttoxeter
The Church Organ
St Mary's Church has a pipe organ. It was built by a company called William Hill & Sons. If you are interested in organs, you can find more details about this specific organ on the National Pipe Organ Register.
The Church Bells
The church tower holds a set of 8 bells. Six of these bells are very old, dating back to 1729. They were made by a bell founder named Abraham Rudhall. The two newest bells, the smallest (treble) and the largest (tenor), were made in 1874 by John Warner & Sons.
