St Nicholas Church, Newport facts for kids

Quick facts for kids St Nicholas, Newport
The churchyard
Country	England
Denomination	Church of England
History
Status	Parish Church
Architecture
Functional status	Active
Administration
Parish	Newport with Longford
Deanery	Edgmond & Shifnal
Archdeaconry	Archdeaconry of Salop
Diocese	Diocese of Lichfield

St Nicholas's Church is an Anglican church located in the market town of Newport, Shropshire, England. It is part of the Diocese of Lichfield. The church is named after St Nicholas, who is known as the patron saint of fishermen. This historic building is recognized as a Grade II* listed building, meaning it is very important.

The church shows two main styles of architecture: Early English and Perpendicular. It stands on a small island in the middle of Newport and is a key landmark that can be seen from far away. The strong tower was built in 1360. However, people have used this site for a church since the 13th century, during the time of Henry I.

History of St Nicholas's Church

The first church building was constructed in the 12th century. The tower, which is a very noticeable part of the church, was rebuilt in 1360. In 1452, a person named Thomas Draper bought the church from the Abbot of Shrewsbury. It wasn't until 1700 that the church gained its own land and a rectory, which is the house for the priest.

Changes and Additions Over Time

The church has been updated many times. In the 18th century, red brick aisles were added to the north and south sides. In 1837, galleries (upper seating areas) and gas lighting were installed. The chancel, which is the part of the church near the altar, was rebuilt in 1866.

The church also went through two major restorations. The south side was restored in 1883, and the north side was restored starting in 1890 by an architect named John Norton. The west porch, which is an entrance area, was added in 1904. It was a gift from Lady Boughey.

Important Events and People

In 1909, the parents of a famous politician, Enoch Powell, were married at St Nicholas's Church. Enoch Powell himself was baptised there in 1912.

In 2019, for Remembrance Day, people knitted 200 poppies to decorate the church. This was a way to remember those who served in wars.

• Michael Beasley was an assistant curate (a type of priest) at the church from 1999 to 2003. He later became the Bishop of Bath and Wells.

Architecture and Features

St Nicholas's Church is built from sandstone. It includes several important parts: a chancel, a south chapel, a nave (the main part of the church where people sit) with aisles, and a tall west tower.

Stained Glass Windows

The church has beautiful stained glass windows. One window in the chancel was made by Morris & Co.. It features figures designed by Edward Burne-Jones, a famous artist. Another window in the south chapel was created by Charles Eamer Kempe.

The north-west corner of the nave is sometimes called the "Longford Corner." Here, you can find a stained glass window made by Christopher Whall. This window remembers two brothers from the Leake family who died in the First World War. There is also a wooden war memorial plaque in this corner. It lists local people who died in the same war. This plaque was moved here from the old parish church at nearby Longford, which closed in 1981. Near this corner, there is a brass plaque for Captain Walter Rowlands Roberts. He was part of the Royal Army Medical Corps and was killed in the Dardanelles in 1915.

Church Bells

The church tower holds 8 bells. They are hung from wooden frames. Five of these bells were made by Thomas Mears at the Whitechapel Bell Foundry in London in 1812. The two newest bells were made by John Taylor & Co in Loughborough in 1952.

Churchyard Memorial

In the churchyard, there is a sandstone memorial cross. It has brass plaques that remember the men from Newport who lost their lives in World War I and World War II.