St Peter and St Paul's Church, Widmerpool facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St. Peter's, Widmerpool |
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| Denomination | Church of England |
| Churchmanship | Broad Church |
| History | |
| Dedication | St. Peter |
| Administration | |
| Parish | Widmerpool |
| Diocese | Southwell and Nottingham |
| Province | York |
St. Peter's Church, Widmerpool is a historic parish church located in the village of Widmerpool, England. It is part of the Church of England and has a long, interesting past.
Contents
A Look at History: St. Peter's Church
This church has stood for a very long time. While we don't know the exact date it was first built, records show that the Anglican parish register began in 1539. This means people were worshipping here over 480 years ago! The church was originally named after both St. Peter and St. Paul, but today it is known simply as St. Peter's.
Rebuilding and Changes Over Time
By the 1800s, the old church building was in poor condition. When the Robertson family took over the estate, they decided to rebuild it in 1832. Sadly, just four years later, in 1836, a lightning bolt struck the church's tall, pointed spire. This powerful strike destroyed half of the spire and broke all the glass windows!
After the lightning strike, the remaining part of the spire was removed. The church was then rebuilt again between 1888 and 1895. This big project cost a lot of money, about £10,000, and the Robertson family helped a lot with the funding. Instead of a spire, a strong tower was built, which holds three bells. The churchyard around the building is beautifully kept with many evergreen plants.
Stories from the Past: War and Memorials
The churchyard of St. Peter's holds some history from the English Civil War. Two soldiers who died in the nearby Battle of Willoughby Fields were buried there. Inside the church, on the south wall, you can find a special "roll of honour." This plaque remembers the people from the village who served in the two World Wars.
Above the door to the vestry, there is another plaque. If you look closely at the pillars inside the south door, you'll see interesting carved head decorations. One is a lion, and the other is a bull. The churchyard is a peaceful place, well-maintained and filled with evergreen trees. Close by, there's also a large group of trees and a nature reserve.
Church Community: Parish Status
St. Peter's Church is part of a larger group of churches that work together. This group is called a "united benefice." It includes:
- St. Peter's, Widmerpool (which is this church, also sometimes referred to by its older name)
- St. Mary and All Saints, Willoughby-on-the-Wolds
- Holy Trinity, Wysall
The Church Organ
St. Peter's Church has a beautiful pipe organ. It was made by a company called Hunter in the 1890s. The organ has a wonderfully carved wooden case, which makes it a lovely piece of art as well as a musical instrument. You can find more details about this specific organ on the National Pipe Organ Register website.
See also
- Grade II* listed buildings in Nottinghamshire
- Listed buildings in Widmerpool
