St Michael and All Angels Church, Edmondthorpe facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Michael and All Angels Church, Edmondthorpe |
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St Michael and All Angels Church, Edmondthorpe,
from the south |
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| OS grid reference | SK 858 175 |
| Location | Edmondthorpe, Leicestershire |
| Country | England |
| Denomination | Anglican |
| Website | Churches Conservation Trust |
| History | |
| Dedication | St Michael and All Angels |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Redundant |
| Heritage designation | Grade I |
| Designated | 1 January 1968 |
| Architectural type | Church |
| Style | Gothic |
| Groundbreaking | 13th century |
| Completed | 15th century |
| Specifications | |
| Materials | Ironstone and limestone, lead roofs |
St Michael and All Angels Church is an old Anglican church in the village of Edmondthorpe, Leicestershire, England. It is no longer used for regular church services. This special building is protected as a Grade I listed building, which means it's very important historically. The Churches Conservation Trust looks after it today.
Contents
History of the Church Building
The oldest part of the church, its tower, was built in the 13th century. The chancel, which is the area around the altar, also dates from this time. In the 14th century, Aisles were added to the sides of the church. Later, in the 15th century, the clerestory was built. This is a row of windows above the main part of the church. The chancel was also made taller during this period.
Some changes were made in the 19th century. For example, the roof of the north aisle was replaced in 1858. A new clock was put in the tower in 1860. The church also had a big repair and cleaning project, called a restoration, between 1861 and 1862.
Understanding the Church's Architecture
Exterior Design and Materials
The church is built using two main types of stone: ironstone and limestone. Its roofs are covered with lead. The church has a main area called the nave, with a clerestory above it. There are aisles on the north and south sides, and porches at the north and south entrances. It also has a chancel and a tall tower at the west end.
The West Tower
The tower has three main sections, separated by stone bands called string courses. It has strong corner supports called buttresses on the west side. On the southeast side, there's a round stair turret with three levels. The bottom part of the tower has a narrow, tall window called a lancet window on the west side. The middle section has two blocked lancet windows on each side. Clock faces are on the west and north sides.
The top section of the tower has double lancet windows where the bells are. At the very top, there's a decorative band with a pattern of four leaves, called a quatrefoil frieze. You can also see four gargoyles, which are stone carvings that act as water spouts. The top edge of the tower is crenellated, meaning it looks like the top of a castle wall. There are pointed decorations called pinnacles at each corner. A pointed roof with a weathervane sits on top of the tower.
Clerestory, Aisles, and Porches
The clerestory has three sections, each with a decorative top edge and a small gable. It has three triple lancet windows on each side. The north aisle has four sections and three triple lancet windows. Both the east and west ends of this aisle also have a triple lancet window. The north porch has a gable with a cross on top and stone benches inside.
The chancel has two sections. At its east end, there is a triple lancet window. Along each side, there are three double lancet windows. There's also a blocked doorway on the north side. On the arch of the south porch, there is a sundial that acts as a decorative top piece. To the right of this porch, you'll find a double and a triple lancet window. The east end of the south aisle has a blocked triple lancet window.
Interior Features and Decorations
Inside the nave, there are arcades with four sections. These arches are supported by eight-sided stone columns called piers. In the north wall of the north aisle, there's a special carved space for a tomb with a pointed, decorated top. To its right, there's a small cupboard called an aumbry. In the southeast corner, you'll find a piscina, which is a basin used for washing sacred vessels.
There are also aumbries to the left of the chancel arch and in the north wall of the chancel. The screen that separates the chancel from the nave was built in the 15th century. On the south wall of the chancel, there's another piscina with a window seat below it. To its right, there's a double sedilia, which are seats for the clergy, now changed to be a monument.
Furnishings and Artworks
The font, used for baptisms, dates from the 14th century. It has a round bowl on a square base. The altar table is from the 17th century, and the altar rail, with its twisted supports, is from the 18th century. Also from the 18th century are a small table, a chair, and a board listing donations to the church.
From the 19th century, you can see the eight-sided pulpit (where sermons are given), a desk, the church stalls, benches, and a brass lectern (for reading lessons). The church also displays the Royal arms of King George III, dated 1777. There are also two oil paintings from the 19th century.
Memorials and Monuments
The church contains several monuments dedicated to members of the Smith family, who lived at nearby Edmondthorpe Hall. The largest monument, from 1655, honors Sir Roger Smith, his two wives, his son, and his grandson. It is made of marble, slate, and alabaster and has three levels.
There is a grand Baroque monument made of marble and slate for Sir Edward Smith, who passed away in 1707. Another monument, in a classical style, is made of marble for Olivia Smith, dated 1710. A rococo monument, made of different colored marbles, is for Edward Smith, who passed away in 1762. Finally, a classical marble tablet remembers Margaret Smith, dated 1780. An 18th-century funerary hatchment, which is a diamond-shaped board displaying a coat of arms, is also in the church.
External Features of the Churchyard
The churchyard, which is the area around the church, contains the war graves of two soldiers. These soldiers bravely served during World War I.
See also
