St Peter's Church, Everleigh facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Peter's Church |
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| Location | Everleigh, Wiltshire, England |
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Listed Building – Grade II*
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| Designated | 27 May 1964 |
| Reference no. | 1035994 |
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St Peter's Church is a special old building in Everleigh, Wiltshire, England. It was built in 1813 by an architect named John Morlidge for F.D. Astley. This church is listed as a Grade II* building, which means it's very important and protected. Today, it's a "redundant church," meaning it's no longer used for regular services. Instead, the Churches Conservation Trust looks after it.
Contents
History of St Peter's Church
Everleigh has had a church for a very long time, since at least 1228. Back then, it was given to a group of monks called the Benedictines at Wherwell Abbey. They were in charge of the church for many years.
From Abbey to Family
When the monasteries were closed down in England, the church's ownership changed. It then passed to a powerful family, starting with Thomas Wriothesley. The old church building was taken down in 1814.
Building the New Church
The church you see today was built in 1813. It was put in a new spot, about half a mile north-west of the old one. The design was made by John Morlidge. He used a style called Georgian Gothic Revival, which mixes old Gothic looks with newer Georgian ideas. Sir Francis Dugdale Astley asked for this church to be built.
What the Church Looks Like
St Peter's Church is made from Bath stone, a light-colored stone often used in buildings. It has a main area called the nave, where people sit. There's also a south porch, which is like a small entrance room.
Key Parts of the Church
The church also has a chancel, which is the area near the altar, and a small south chapel. At the west end, there's a tall tower. The nave is about 41 feet long and 26 feet wide. The chancel is 16 feet long and 14 feet wide.
The Church Bells
Inside the tower, there are six bells. These bells were made by a company called James Wells in Aldbourne. They would have rung out across the village.
Inside the Church
When you go inside, you can see some interesting things from the past. There's a special stone bowl called a font. This is where babies are baptized. This font is very old, from the Norman times, and it came from the original church.
Old Decorations and Family History
The font's bowl has cool scallop shapes carved into it. The base and stand were added later. You'll also find many memorials inside. These are like plaques that remember members of the Astley family, who were important in the area.
The Music Gallery
Above the west end of the nave, there's a large gallery. When the church was first built, this gallery held a "barrel organ." This was a type of organ that played music automatically, like a giant music box. Later, in 1879, a new organ was put in a different room called the vestry.
Visiting St Peter's Church
St Peter's Church stopped being used for regular services on April 18, 1974. It was then given to the Churches Conservation Trust on October 22, 1975. This trust helps to look after old churches that are no longer in use. The church is open for visitors every day. You can usually find the key nearby if you want to go inside and explore.
See also
