St Peter's Church, Alstonefield facts for kids
The Church of St Peter is a very old and special church located in Alstonefield, a village in Staffordshire Moorlands, England. It's considered a Grade I listed building, which means it's a really important historical site. This church is part of the Church of England.
The oldest parts of the church were built way back in the 1100s! Over the years, it has been made bigger and fixed up many times, including in the 1500s, 1600s, 1700s, and again in 1870. People believe there might have been an even older church here, perhaps from the Anglo-Saxon times, because Anglo-Saxon crosses were found nearby. Also, the church is named after St Peter, which was a common dedication for early churches.
An Ancient Gravestone
In the churchyard, you can find a very old memorial stone. It belongs to a person named Ann Green, who passed away on April 11, 1518. This stone is thought to be the oldest gravestone in England that you can still read clearly! It's shaped like a circle, and words are carved around its edge and on one flat side.
The Leaden Boot Challenge
Something interesting happened at the church in 2010. Some lead, which is a type of metal, was stolen from the church roof. Replacing it cost about £14,000! To help raise money for the repairs, people started a special event called the Leaden Boot Challenge.
This challenge is a long walk or run, covering 26.2 miles (42.2 km), which is the same distance as a marathon! Participants have 12 hours to complete it. The Leaden Boot Challenge became so popular that it's now an annual event. It continues to raise money, not just for the church, but also for other good causes in the local area.
The Church of St Peter is part of the Alstonefield Deanery and the Diocese of Lichfield, which are parts of the Church of England's organization.
See also
- Grade I listed churches in Staffordshire
- Listed buildings in Alstonefield
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