St Nicholas' Church, Tuxford facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Nicholas' Church, Tuxford |
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St Nicholas's Church, Tuxford
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| 53°13′51.37″N 0°53′50.57″W / 53.2309361°N 0.8973806°W | |
| OS grid reference | SK 73667 71064 |
| Location | Tuxford |
| Country | England |
| Denomination | Church of England |
| Website | www.tuxfordchurches.co.uk |
| History | |
| Dedication | St Nicholas |
| Architecture | |
| Heritage designation | Grade I listed |
| Specifications | |
| Bells | 8 (Cast iron frame) |
| Tenor bell weight | Tenor 11.5 cwt |
| Administration | |
| Parish | Tuxford |
| Deanery | Newark and Southwell |
| Archdeaconry | Newark |
| Diocese | Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham |
| Province | York |
St Nicholas's Church is a very old and important building in Tuxford, Nottinghamshire, England. It is a parish church for the local community and belongs to the Church of England. It's so special that it's been given a "Grade I listed" status, which means it's one of the most important historic buildings in the country.
Contents
History of the Church
St Nicholas' Church is really old! It was built way back in the 12th century, which means the 1100s. Imagine how many people have walked through its doors since then!
Changes Over Time
Over the centuries, the church has been changed and improved. In 1374, a special row of windows called a clerestory was added high up on the walls. This helped to bring more light into the church.
Around 1495, the chancel was rebuilt. The chancel is the part of the church where the altar is, usually at the east end.
The chapel, which is a smaller room for worship, was fixed up and made bigger in the 18th century (the 1700s). More work was done to restore the church in 1811, 1879, and 1893 to keep it in good condition.
Joining Other Churches
In the 1980s, St Nicholas' Church became part of a group of churches called a "benefice." This group included the churches of West Markham and Weston. In February 2013, two more churches, Marnham and Normanton on Trent, joined this group.
The White Chapel
To the north side of the main church area, called the chancel, there is a special chapel. This chapel is where members of the White family, who were important people from Tuxford and Wallingwells, were buried.
Important Tombs and Memorials
Inside the White Chapel, you can see a beautiful tomb made of alabaster. This tomb belongs to Sir John White (who lived from 1558 to 1625) and his wife, Agnes Cecil. Agnes was the sister of Lord Burghley, who was a very important advisor to Queen Elizabeth I.
There is also a memorial tablet in the chapel for Captain Charles Lawrence White. He was the youngest brother of Sir Thomas White, 1st Baronet. Captain White died in 1814 during a battle called the Siege of Bayonne. The tablet shows a picture of St. Lawrence on a gridiron, which is how he was martyred.
Burial Vaults
Below the White Chapel, there is a secret underground room called a burial vault. This is where many members of the White family are buried, including Sir Thomas White, 1st Baronet, and his son, Sir Thomas White, 2nd Baronet.
There's another, even older, burial vault under the chancel. This vault holds the remains of members of the Stanhope family from Rampton, and even earlier generations of the White family.
Family Coats of Arms
On the walls of the chapel, you can see two amazing painted funerary hatchments. These are special boards that show the coat of arms of a person who has died. One shows the combined coats of arms for Sir Thomas White, 1st Baronet, and his wife. The second one shows the full coat of arms for Sir Thomas White, 2nd Baronet.
The last leader of the White family who mainly lived at Tuxford Manor, Thomas White, is buried under the church's main altar.
Church Organ
The church has a musical organ that was made in 1861 by Robert Postill of York. You can find more details about this organ on the National Pipe Organ Register if you are interested in how it works.
Church Bells
St Nicholas' Church has eight bells that ring out for services and special occasions.
How the Bells Grew
The church originally had four bells. Then, another bell was added, making five, and later one more. In 1926, all the bells were melted down and recast (made new) and then hung in a frame designed for eight bells. In 1956, two brand new bells were added, completing a full set of eight bells.
Clergy
The Clergy are the people who lead the church services and help the community. In 2006, The Rev Wall became the Priest in Charge for the Parish. In 2013, The Rev Dunk joined as the Curate.
Past Clergy
Here are some of the people who have served as clergy at St Nicholas' Church:
- Rev C Wall (Priest in Charge from 2006 to June 2014)
- Rev E Thomas
- Rev J Martin
See also
- Grade I listed buildings in Nottinghamshire
- Listed buildings in Tuxford
