St Michael's Church, Bray facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Michael's Church, Bray |
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| 51°30′32.56″N 0°42′07.07″W / 51.5090444°N 0.7019639°W | |
| OS grid reference | SU 90169 79704 |
| Location | Bray, Berkshire |
| Country | England |
| Denomination | Church of England |
| Website | braystmichael.co.uk |
| Administration | |
| Parish | Bray and Braywood |
| Deanery | Maidenhead and Windsor |
| Archdeaconry | Berkshire |
St Michael's Church in Bray, Berkshire, is a very old and important church. It is part of the Church of England. This church is special because it is a Grade II* listed building. This means it is a historically important building that is protected.
Contents
History of St Michael's Church
Early Beginnings and Rebuilding
St Michael's Church was first built in 1293. People believe it replaced an even older Saxon church. That older church was located nearby in a place called Water Oakley.
Around the year 1500, parts of the church were rebuilt. Later, between 1857 and 1882, the church had a big restoration. This work was done by an architect named Thomas Henry Wyatt.
Ancient Sculptures and Parish Details
The church has some interesting old sculptures. These might have come from the very first church building. One of these is a damaged sculpture known as a Sheela na Gig.
The church serves the local area, which is called Bray St Michael with Braywoodside. This area is the same as the wider local parish.
Royal Funeral at St Michael's
In 1938, a special event happened at St Michael's. The royal funeral for George Mountbatten, 2nd Marquess of Milford Haven, was held here. After the service, the Marquess was buried in Bray Cemetery.
Monuments and Memorials
Historic Brasses and Stone Carvings
Inside St Michael's Church, you can see several old brass plaques. These are called monumental brasses. They date from the 1300s to the 1500s. One famous brass is from 1378. It honors Sir John Foxley, who was the Constable of Southampton Castle.
Other Important Memorials
The church also has other memorials. These include:
- A memorial for William Goddard of Philibert, who passed away in 1609. He was the person who started Jesus Hospital. There is also a memorial for his wife, Joyce Maunsell, who passed away in 1622.
- A memorial for Mary Hanger, who passed away in 1738. This sculpture was created by Peter Scheemakers.
Vicars of Bray
The term "Vicar of Bray" is famous. It refers to a satirical story or a folk song. It describes a person who changes their beliefs easily to stay in power. The song is called The Vicar of Bray (song).
Here is a list of the vicars who have served at St Michael's Church over many centuries:
- Reinbald 1081
- Roger 1288
- Henry de Chilbalton 1301
- Roger de Crossby 1327
- William Scherreve 1368–75
- John Dray 1382
- Thomas Gernon 1382–96
- William Dyer 1396–1440
- Robert Manfelde 1440–43
- Thomas Pashe 1443–44
- Thomas Topclyf 1444
- Thomas Luyde 1444–54
- William Morris 1454–79
- Thomas Phillippis 1479–97
- John Perkwyn 1497
- John Halle 1504
- Richard Watts 1504–20
- John Mogeryge 1521–23
- Simon Symonds 1523–47
- William Stafferton 1548–55
- Alexander Barlo 1556
- Simon Aleyn 1557–65
- Henry Cranshawe 1565
- David Tuke 1589–99
- Edward Cranceshaw 1599
- Edward Boughton 1621–40
- Anthony Faringdon 1640–42
- Hezekiah Woodward 1649–60
- Edward Boughton 1660
- Edward Fulham 1660–62
- Francis Carswell 1665–1709
- Thomas Brown 1709–59
- George Berkeley 1759–69
- Hon George Hamilton 1769–87
- Edward Townshend 1787–1822
- Walter Levett 1822–25
- George Legge 1825–26
- Walter Levett 1826–53
- James Austen Leigh 1853–74
- William Brassey Hole 1874–87
- Charles Raymond 1887–1915
- William Riddelsdell 1915–31
- Arthur Jones 1931–45
- Edward Lowman 1945–58
- Sidney Doran 1958–77
- Neil Howells 1977–84
- George Repath 1985–2007
- Richard Cowles 2008
