St Maurice's Church, Winchester facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Maurice’s Church, Winchester |
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Tower of St Maurice’s Church, Winchester
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| 51°03′43″N 1°18′46″W / 51.06192°N 1.31264°W | |
| Location | Winchester |
| Country | England |
| Denomination | Church of England |
| History | |
| Dedication | Saint Maurice |
| Architecture | |
| Heritage designation | Grade II listed |
| Administration | |
| Diocese | Diocese of Winchester |
| Province | Province of Canterbury |
St Maurice's Church was a historic church located in Winchester, England. It was a parish church, meaning it served a local community, and was part of the Church of England.
The original church building was taken down in March 1840. A new church was then built by architect William Gover of Winchester. It opened on July 21, 1842, and was officially blessed by the Bishop of Winchester.
In the late 1950s, most of the church building was removed. Today, only the 15th-century tower remains. This tower is made of flint and rubble, and it even has an old Norman arch. It is considered a special historical building, listed as Grade II listed. The tower also features a sundial and the royal symbols of King George III.
The Church Organ
The church once had a pipe organ built in 1756 by a famous organ maker known as Father Smith. When St Maurice's Church closed, this organ was moved to St Thomas' Church in Winchester. Later, when St Thomas' Church also closed, the organ moved again to St Denys Church in Portswood, Southampton. You can find details about this organ on the National Pipe Organ Register.
The Church Bells
The tower of St Maurice's Church had six bells when the church closed. These bells have an interesting history of their own!
Before 1919, there were five bells. In 1919, the bells were taken to a company called Gillett & Johnston in Croydon. They were updated, and a new, smaller bell (called a treble) was added, making a set of six bells. In 1957, these six bells were given to the Church of the Ascension in Bitterne Park, Southampton. There, two more treble bells were added, and the largest bell (the tenor) was recast by Mears and Stainbank, making a total of eight bells.
In 2008, four more treble bells were added, all made by Hayward Mills Associates. This made a total of twelve bells. These bells are known for being the lightest set of twelve bells hung in a church anywhere in the world!
