St Modwen's, Burton upon Trent facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Modwen's, Burton upon Trent |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Denomination | Church of England |
| Churchmanship | Broad Church |
| Website | St Modwen's webpage |
| History | |
| Founded | 1719 |
| Dedication | 1723 |
| Administration | |
| Parish | Burton-upon-Trent St Modwen |
| Deanery | Tutbury |
| Archdeaconry | Archdeaconry of Stoke |
| Episcopal area | Stafford Episcopal Area |
| Diocese | Diocese of Lichfield |
| Province | Province of Canterbury |
St Modwen's Church is a special place of worship in Burton upon Trent, a town in Staffordshire, England. It's part of the Church of England and belongs to the Diocese of Lichfield. The church is named after St Modwen, or Modwenna, a nun who started an abbey in Burton way back in the 7th century. This church took the place of the old church from Burton Abbey after the abbey was closed down.
Contents
The Story of St Modwen's Church Building
The church building you see today is quite old! It overlooks Burton's market square. Building started in 1719, and people began using it for services in 1723. It was fully finished by 1728.
What Does the Church Look Like?
The church is built from red sandstone. It has a main area called a nave with five sections and balconies on three sides. There's also a rounded end called an apse and a front entrance area called a narthex with a tall tower in the middle.
Who Designed This Beautiful Church?
The church was designed in a classic style by two brothers, Richard and William Smith. They were from Tettenhall. William passed away in 1724, and Richard in 1726. Their younger brother, Francis Smith of Warwick, finished the building.
A historian named Richard Wilkes described the church in the 1730s as "elegant and beautiful." He said it brought "pleasure to all that behold or enter it."
Special Features Inside St Modwen's
St Modwen's is a very important historical building, listed as Grade I. This means it's considered to be of exceptional interest. Inside, you can find some cool old items:
- A font from the 15th century, which is over 500 years old!
- An organ case built in 1771 for an organ made by John Snetzler.
- A monument to Lady Fowler, created in 1825 by Sir Richard Westmacott.
Music at St Modwen's
The church has a history of talented musicians. Anthony Greatorex was the organist from 1771. His son, Thomas Greatorex, who became a famous composer, took over from him. Thomas the younger, another son, also became an organist at a different church in Burton.
Visiting St Modwen's Church
You can visit St Modwen's! Regular services are held on Sunday mornings at 11 am. On the first and third Sundays, they have Holy Communion. On the second and fourth, they have Matins. There's also a Holy Communion service on Wednesdays at 10:45 am. The church is usually open on most Saturdays between 10 am and 12 pm, and you can even get refreshments.
The vicar (the main priest) at St Modwen's also looks after St Paul's and St Aidan's churches.
Images for kids
-
St Modwen's Church in Burton upon Trent
