St Nectan's Church, Hartland facts for kids

Quick facts for kids St Nectan's Church, Hartland
Parish Church of St Nectan
Church of St Nectan
50°59′42″N 4°30′59″W / 50.99500°N 4.51639°W / 50.99500; -4.51639
Country	United Kingdom
Denomination	Church of England
Churchmanship	Broad Church
Website	www.achurchnearyou.com/hartland-st-nectan/
History
Status	Parish Church
Founder(s)	Gytha, Countess of Wessex
Dedication	Saint Nectan
Architecture
Style	Gothic
Specifications
Capacity	600
Length	137 ft
Other dimensions	tower height: 128 ft
Materials	stone and rubble
Administration
Parish	Hartland (Hartland Coast Team)
Deanery	Hartland
Archdeaconry	Barnstaple
Diocese	Exeter
Province	Canterbury

The Church of St Nectan is a very old and important church in Hartland, Devon, England. It's sometimes called the "Cathedral of North Devon" because it's so grand! You can find it in a small area called Stoke, about 2.4 kilometers (1.5 miles) west of Hartland town. This church is dedicated to a special person named Saint Nectan.

What is the History of St Nectan's Church?

The story of St Nectan's Church goes way back in time. It's linked to an early Christian missionary named Saint Nectan. He was one of many Celtic holy people from the 400s and 500s. People believe he had a quiet place to live, called a hermitage, near a well just 100 meters from where the church stands today.

When Was the First Church Built?

The very first church building here was started around the year 1050. It was a special kind of church called a collegiate church. This means it had a group of twelve priests working there. A powerful woman named Gytha, Countess of Wessex, who was the mother of King Harold, founded it.

People used to say she built it to thank God for saving her husband from a storm at sea. However, it's more likely that her husband, Godwin, Earl of Wessex, who owned the land, was involved in starting it.

How Did the Church Change Over Time?

We don't know much about what the first church looked like. Later, in the 1100s, the collegiate church was replaced by a monastery at Hartland Abbey. We're not sure if the church building was rebuilt or made bigger at that time.

The church building you see today was mostly built around 1360. The only part left from an even older church on this spot is the font, which is a basin used for baptisms. This font is thought to be from 1170, making it very old!

What About the Famous Church Tower?

The church has a very tall tower, standing 128 feet high! It's said to be the tallest church tower in Devon. For hundreds of years, sailors at sea have used it as a landmark to guide them. The tower was built about 60 years after the rest of the church.

Inside the tower, there are six bells. They were made in a nearby place called Buckland Brewer. These bells were last put back up in 1952 and together they weigh almost 3 tons! The open arch of the tower used to be a special place for musicians. A "church orchestra" with fiddles, a double bass, a flute, and a clarinet would play music for services there.

What Are the Special Features Inside?

St Nectan's Church has many interesting things to see.

The Rood Screen

The beautiful 15th-century rood screen

One of the most amazing features is the rood screen. It's considered the best one in North Devon! This huge screen dates back to 1450. It's about 13.8 meters (45 feet 6 inches) long, 3.8 meters (12 feet 6 inches) high, and 1.7 meters (5 feet 10 inches) wide at the top. In the past, the church organ and even seats were placed on top of this screen!

Other Interesting Parts of the Church

A view inside the church, showing the wagon-roof

The very old Norman font

The church pulpit

You can also see the beautiful Norman font, which is very old. The church also has old "wagon roofs," which look like the inside of a covered wagon. There are also old monuments, like a fancy stone tomb from the Middle Ages. You can find a small brass plaque from 1610 and a tombstone from 1618 with metal designs.

Stained Glass Windows

The church has five special stained glass windows made by artists Caroline Townshend and Joan Howson. These windows tell the story of the local area. Another window by these artists is in St John's Chapel of Ease in Hartland Square. The main window at the east end of the church and the tower window were made by Christopher Webb. There are also at least two windows by Alfred Beer.

Church Seating

The entire church is filled with nice, simple wooden seats called pews. Most of these pews are from the 1500s, making them very old!

Famous Burial Site

The graveyard around St Nectan's Church is the resting place of Mary Norton. She was a famous children's writer. Her most well-known book is The Borrowers, about tiny people who live secretly in houses.

Who Are the Clergy at St Nectan's?

The clergy are the people who lead the church services and look after the church community. Here are some of the people who have served at St Nectan's Church over the years:

Since 2018, The Reverend Jane Skinner has been the Team Rector.

What Services Does the Church Offer?

St Nectan's Church holds regular services for everyone to attend.

Sunday Services

• 1st Sunday of the month: 11:00 AM - United Service (all churches together)
• 2nd Sunday of the month: 11:00 AM - Sung Eucharist (a traditional service with singing)
• 3rd Sunday of the month: 10:00 AM - Breakfast Church (a service for all ages at the Methodist Church)
• 4th Sunday of the month: 11:00 AM - Sung Eucharist
• 5th Sunday of the month: 11:00 AM - Team Service (held at different locations each time)

Weekday Services

These services take place in the Church Rooms:

• 08:00 AM - Morning Prayer
• 11:00 AM - Holy Communion (every Wednesday)