St Nicholas Church, Worth facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Parish Church of St. Nicholas |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Location | Worth, West Sussex |
| Country | England |
| Denomination | Church of England |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Active |
| Heritage designation | Grade I listed |
| Administration | |
| Parish | Worth, Pound Hill and Maidenbower |
| Archdeaconry | Horsham |
| Diocese | Chichester |
St Nicholas Church is a historic Church of England parish church located in Worth, a village near Crawley, England. This church was once part of the largest church area (parish) in England. It has been a place of Christian worship for over 1000 years.
Contents
History of St Nicholas Church
.jpg)
St Nicholas Church is one of the oldest churches in England. It was built during the Anglo-Saxon period, which was a long time ago! Parts of the church, like the arch leading to the main altar (chancel arch) and the rounded end (apse), were built between the years 950 and 1050 AD.
The church was built in a forest, and no one knows exactly why this spot was chosen. Some people think it was because the area was good for hunting. Important visitors, like kings or nobles, might have needed a comfortable place to pray. Since it was a large church in an isolated forest, it was probably not just for local people.
After the Norman conquest of England in 1066, William the Conqueror gave the church to his son-in-law, William de Warenne. You can still see his family symbol in the church's stained glass windows. Over the centuries, the church was owned by different noble families, including the Fitzalans and the Nevills.
Bell-Ringing at St Nicholas
People have been ringing the bells at St Nicholas Church since at least 1684. Bell-ringing is still an important part of the church's weekly activities today.
The church's tower, with its pointy roof (spire), was added in 1871. It replaced an older tower. In 1684, the church had three bells, and then a fourth was added. In 1844, all the bells were melted down and re-made into a set of six bells. They were re-made again in 1928.
In 1997, the bells needed major repairs. Parts like pulleys and clappers were removed, fixed, and then put back. The bells still hang in their original oak frame from 1844. The largest bell, called the tenor, is about 91 centimeters (3 feet) wide. It weighs around 489 kilograms (over 1000 pounds)! The sound of this bell is an A note. All the bells together weigh more than 1,800 kilograms.
Church Restoration Work
In 1986, a fire broke out while workers were treating the church's roof timbers. Luckily, firefighters put out the blaze quickly, saving most of the building. However, the roof was badly damaged, making the building unsafe.
Because of the damage, lots of scaffolding was put up. The church's benches (pews) and flooring had to be removed. The roof was redesigned, and the walls were made stronger. New floors and pews were installed. The new pews are easier to move, which makes the church more flexible for different events.
The restoration work cost about £510,000 and was finished by 1988. During this big renovation, archaeologists were able to study the church closely. They confirmed the exact age of the church's original parts.
St Nicholas Church Today
St Nicholas Church is still an active parish church today. Many people believe it is the oldest church in England that has been used continuously without stopping.
The church holds at least two services every Sunday, usually at 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM. There is also a midweek service (called a Eucharist) on Thursdays at 10:30 AM. The church has a group of bell-ringers and a church choir.
In the churchyard (the area around the church), you can find the grave of Robert Whitehead. He was famous for inventing the modern torpedo. His gravestone says, "His fame was known by all nations hereabouts."
The churchyard also contains graves of soldiers and officers who died in World War I and World War II. These are called Commonwealth war graves.
See also
- Grade I listed buildings in West Sussex
- List of places of worship in Crawley
- Listed buildings in Crawley
- List of church restorations and alterations by Anthony Salvin
