St Oswald's Church, Sowerby facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Oswald's Church |
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The Parish Church of St Oswald
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| OS grid reference | SE 43115 81374 |
| Location | Sowerby, North Yorkshire |
| Country | England |
| Denomination | Church of England |
| History | |
| Status | Parish church |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Active |
| Heritage designation | Grade II* |
| Designated | 20 June 1966 |
| Administration | |
| Diocese | Diocese of York |
| Province | Province of York |
St Oswald's Church is a special old church in Sowerby, North Yorkshire, England. It belongs to the Church of England. The church is named after Oswald of Northumbria, who was a king of Northumbria a very long time ago.
Contents
History of St Oswald's Church
Early Beginnings and Medieval Times
The oldest parts of St Oswald's Church were built around the year 1140. This means some parts are nearly 900 years old! The beautiful south doorway was likely built even earlier, in the 1000s. Most of the stone in the south wall of the main part of the church, called the nave, is from the Middle Ages.
Changes Over the Centuries
The church's tower was built in the 1400s. It still has pieces from the original Norman church. Inside the tower, there's a special small opening called a hagioscope. This allowed people to see the altar from the tower.
In 1842, the church got a big makeover. This was part of a trend called "Victorian restoration." The church was made bigger and updated to look like the Norman style from the 1800s.
More work happened in 1883. An open wooden lantern was added above the chancel crossing, which is where the main part of the church meets the altar area. This lantern had a slanted roof, like a small spire.
In 1902, the north wall was changed. It became an arcade, which is a row of arches. A large new section, called the north aisle, was built next to it.
Modern Updates and Special Status
In the 1980s, the church was rearranged inside. A new altar was added that could be moved. This made worship feel more connected for everyone.
St Oswald's Church is considered very important. In 1966, it was given a "Grade II*" listed status. This means it's a building of special historical interest and needs to be protected.
War Graves in the Churchyard
The churchyard, which is the area around the church, has a special meaning. It is home to two Commonwealth war graves. These are for a young airman from the Royal Air Force who died in the First World War. The other is for a soldier from the Royal Armoured Corps who died in the Second World War. These graves remind us of the brave people who served their country.
Gallery
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This is the old Norman doorway.
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This is the font, used for baptisms.
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Here you can see the chancel and the altar.
External Links
- St Oswald's Parish Church, Sowerby
