St Peter and St Paul's Church, Mottistone facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Peter and St Paul's Church, Mottistone |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| 50°39′06″N 01°25′38″W / 50.65167°N 1.42722°W | |
| Denomination | Church of England |
| Churchmanship | Broad Church |
| Website | [1] |
| History | |
| Dedication | St Peter and St Paul |
| Administration | |
| Parish | Mottistone |
| Diocese | Portsmouth |
| Province | Canterbury |
St Peter and St Paul's Church is a historic parish church located in the small village of Mottistone on the Isle of Wight. It belongs to the Church of England and is considered a very important building, listed as Grade I. This means it has special historical or architectural value.
Church History: A Journey Through Time
This church is very old, dating back to the 12th century. It was first built by Brian de Insula, who was the lord of Mottistone Manor at the time. Most of the church you see today was built in the 15th century.
Adding the Cheke Chapel
In the 16th century, the Cheke family added a special part called the Cheke chapel. This family became the lords of the manor way back in 1300.
A Shipwreck's Gift: The Cedrene Roof
In 1862, the roof of the chancel (the area around the altar) was replaced. The new timber came from a ship called the Cedrene. This ship was only 16 days old when it sadly wrecked near the church on the shores of the Back of the Wight.
"Where the fragrance of Bermuda Cedar still lingers after 100 years... a token of the beauty that was Cedrene."
Victorian Changes and Updates
A big renovation happened in 1863, known as a Victorian restoration. During this time, parts of the church were rebuilt. This included the designs in the windows, the arches in the main part of the church (nave), and the pillars that support them. The roofs and walls were also repaired.
Making the Church Accessible
In 2014, a project was completed to make the church easier for everyone to visit. This included improving access for people with disabilities.
A Famous Wedding at the Church
On February 14, 2015, the church hosted a special event. Theatre and opera director Sophie Hunter married actor Benedict Cumberbatch here. Sophie Hunter is the great-great granddaughter of General J. E. B. Seely, 1st Baron Mottistone, who was an important local figure.
Church Design: What It Looks Like
The church is built from stone and has a tile roof. It also has a spire covered in wooden shingles.
Main Parts of the Church
The church has several main sections:
- The nave: This is the main central part where people sit.
- Aisles: These are the passages on either side of the nave.
- The chancel: This is the area near the altar.
- A north chapel: A smaller room on the north side.
- A south porch: The entrance on the south side.
The West Tower and Spire
The tower at the west end of the church has a special top edge called a parapet with a crenellated design, which looks like the top of a castle wall. It also has a tall, pointed spire.
Inside the Church: Special Features
The church has a font (a basin used for baptisms) that might be from the 12th century. However, it was reshaped in the late 1800s or early 1900s. In 1948, John Seely, 2nd Baron Mottistone asked for a special screen to be built in the Cheke chapel. This screen, called a parclose screen, was made in memory of his father, General J. E. B. Seely, 1st Baron Mottistone.
Images for kids
-
St Peter and St Paul's Church, Mottistone
