St Michael's Church, Heighington facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Michael's Church, Heighington |
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The tower of St Michael's
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| Country | England |
| Denomination | Church of England |
| Churchmanship | Central |
| History | |
| Status | Active |
| Dedication | Saint Michael the Archangel |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Parish church |
| Administration | |
| Parish | Herrington |
| Deanery | Darlington |
| Archdeaconry | Archdeaconry of Auckland |
| Diocese | Diocese of Durham |
| Province | Province of York |
St Michael's Church is an old and important church in Heighington, a village near Darlington in County Durham, England. It belongs to the Church of England. This church is so special that it's officially protected as a grade I listed building. This means it's considered a building of great historical interest.
History of St Michael's Church
The oldest parts of St Michael's Church are very ancient. The tower, the main part of the church called the nave, and the area around the altar, known as the chancel, were built before the Normans arrived in England in 1066.
Around the years 1160 to 1170, the chancel was rebuilt. Also, a third section was added to the church tower, making it taller. In the 1200s, a small room called a vestry was added. This room is often used for storing church items or for clergy to prepare.
The church also had a special area called a chantry chapel. This chapel was first built in the 1200s. In the 1300s, it was made bigger to become the south aisle. An aisle is a walkway in a church. Later, in the 1400s, a parapet was added to the top of the tower. A parapet is a low wall along the edge of a roof or tower.
Victorian Changes to the Church
During the 1800s, many old churches in England were updated. This time is known as the Victorian restoration period. St Michael's Church also had changes made during this time.
Some restoration work happened in the 1840s. More work was done between 1872 and 1875. A famous architect named Ewan Christian led these later changes.
On March 20, 1967, St Michael's Church was officially named a grade I listed building. This means it is one of the most important historic buildings in England.
St Michael's Church Today
Today, St Michael's is an active church. It is part of the parish of Heighington. A parish is a local area served by a church. The church is also part of the Archdeaconry of Auckland and the Diocese of Durham. A diocese is a larger area managed by a bishop.
St Michael's follows the Central tradition within the Church of England. This means it has a balanced approach to worship and beliefs. The church now holds services that are shared between the Anglican and Methodist communities.
