St Nicholas Church, Church Stoke facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Nicholas Church |
|
|---|---|
| Church of St Nicholas | |
 |
|
| Location | Church Stoke, Montgomeryshire, Powys SY15 6AF, Wales |
| Denomination | Church of England |
| Previous denomination | Roman Catholic |
| History | |
| Former name(s) | St Mary's Church |
| Status | active |
| Architecture | |
| Heritage designation | Grade II |
| Designated | 1953 |
| Administration | |
| Parish | Churchstoke |
| Diocese | Diocese of Hereford |
St Nicholas's Church is a Church of England church in Church Stoke, Powys, Wales. It was known as St Mary's Church until 1881. Most of the church building you see today was rebuilt in the 1800s. However, it still has its original tower from the 1200s. This old tower has a wooden bell tower on top.
Only a few items from before the 1800s have survived. These include a font (a basin for baptisms), a holy water basin, and a chest. The main part of the church, with its tall roof, was built in the second half of the 1800s. St Nicholas's Church is a Grade II listed building, which means it is a special historic building.
Contents
The Church's Long History
The way the churchyard is shaped and its spot near the River Camlad suggest the church was first built a very long time ago, possibly in the early Middle Ages. In 1881, the inside of the church was changed to how it looks now. At this time, it was also rededicated to St. Nicholas, after being dedicated to St. Mary for many years. A church clock was added in 1887 to celebrate Queen Victoria's 50 years as queen.
The Tower: A Place of Refuge
The church has a square tower at its western end, built in the 1200s. In 1812, the tower was made shorter. A typical Montgomeryshire-style timber-framed belfry (where the bells are) and a pyramid-shaped roof were added. In 2005, this roof was re-covered with oak roof shingles.
The tower was used as a safe place during fights in the 1300s. It was also used during battles in the English Civil War. In 1646, soldiers loyal to Parliament attacked a group of Royalists who were staying in Churchstoke. The Royalists hid inside the church. During the fight, the Parliamentarians set the church door on fire, which made the Royalists give up. You can still see bullet holes from these battles on the tower's north wall.
Changes and Rebuilding
In 1751, the south wall of the church was removed. A new south aisle (a side part of the church) was built. Then, in 1812, the old church building was taken down. A new main part of the church, called the nave, was built using stone from local quarries. Its roof was made with slate from Corndon Hill. This new building also had a schoolroom and galleries (upper levels).
The iron columns inside the church, made in Coalbrookdale, likely supported these galleries. These columns now hold up the lower roof. In 1881, the north and south walls of the chancel (the area around the altar) were rebuilt. A new south porch was also added. The aisles are separated from the nave by arches, above which is a wooden decoration.
The chancel is thought to have been added in 1867. It is narrower than the nave. The floor of the chancel and the area around the altar are covered with decorative tiles. A tiled reredos (a screen behind the altar) has recently been uncovered. There is also a piscina (a basin for washing holy vessels) in the south wall of the chancel. Three brass plaques from the 1800s were probably added in 1867.
The south transept (a part of the church that sticks out) holds the organ. The north transept is the choir vestry (a room for clergy and choir). The boiler room is underneath it.
Why It's a Listed Building
St Nicholas Church was given Grade II listed status in 1953. This means it is important because of its history. It shows how it was rebuilt many times, keeping parts from each period. This includes the well-preserved medieval tower, the work done in the early 1800s, and the changes made in 1867.
A Local Legend
There's a local story about a church in the nearby village of Hyssington. People say a tiny bull is buried under the church step there. The legend says this bull scared everyone until twelve priests performed an exorcism to get rid of it.
The Church and Its Borders
In 1914, a law called the Welsh Church Act 1914 was passed. This law was meant to separate the Church in Wales from the Church of England. However, the law was delayed. Because of this, in 1915, seventeen parishes, including Churchstoke, had a special vote. This vote was to decide if they wanted to join the new Church in Wales or stay with the Church of England. This was important because the church's boundaries crossed the border between England and Wales.
The people of St Nicholas Church voted 390 to 75 to stay part of the Church of England. This was even though the church itself is located in Wales. Because of this vote, St Nicholas Church remained part of the Diocese of Hereford, which is an English diocese.
See also
