St Peter's Church, Alstonefield facts for kids
The Church of St Peter in Alstonefield, England, is a very old and important church. It's a special building that has been around for hundreds of years. People believe there might have been an even older church on this spot, perhaps built by the Anglo-Saxons long ago.
Contents
Exploring St Peter's Church
This church is a Christian church where people gather for worship. It's considered a "Grade I listed building," which means it's a very important historical site that needs to be protected.
A Look at History
The oldest parts of St Peter's Church were built way back in the 1100s, almost 900 years ago! Over time, the church has been changed and updated. This happened in the 1500s, 1600s, 1700s, and again in 1870. Imagine how many different people have walked through its doors over the centuries!
People think an even older church, built by the Anglo-Saxons, might have stood here before. This idea comes from old Anglo-Saxon crosses found nearby and because the church is named after Saint Peter, a very early Christian leader.
The Oldest Gravestone
In the churchyard, there's a special memorial stone for a person named Ann Green. She passed away on April 11, 1518. This stone is thought to be the oldest gravestone in England that you can still read! It's round, and words are carved around its edge and on one flat side. It's like a little piece of history you can touch.
Community Spirit and Challenges
In 2010, some of the lead from the church roof was taken. This was a big problem because the church needed a new roof, which cost a lot of money. To help raise funds, the community started something amazing called the Leaden Boot Challenge.
The Leaden Boot Challenge
The Leaden Boot Challenge is a long walk or run, about 26.2 miles (which is the same distance as a marathon!). People try to finish it within 12 hours. It started to help the church, but now it raises money for other good causes in the local area too. It shows how a community can come together to help each other.
How the Church is Organized
St Peter's Church is part of a larger group of churches. It belongs to the Deanery of Alstonefield and the Diocese of Lichfield. These are like different levels of organization within the Church of England, helping churches work together.
See also
- Grade I listed churches in Staffordshire
- Listed buildings in Alstonefield
