St Peter and St Paul, Checkendon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Peter and St Paul, Checkendon |
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view from the southeast
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| OS grid reference | SU 6632583043 |
| Location | Checkendon, Oxfordshire |
| Country | England |
| Denomination | Church of England |
| History | |
| Status | Parish church |
| Founded | c. 634 (reputed) |
| Founder(s) | Birinus (reputed) |
| Dedication | Saint Peter and Saint Paul |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Active |
| Heritage designation | Grade I |
| Designated | 9 February 1959 |
| Architectural type | Norman |
| Administration | |
| Deanery | Henley |
| Archdeaconry | Dorchester |
| Diocese | Oxford |
| Province | Canterbury |
The Church of St Peter and St Paul is a historic building in Checkendon, a village in Oxfordshire, England. It is a Church of England parish church, meaning it serves the local community. This church is very old, with some parts dating back to the 12th century. It is considered a very important building and is listed as a Grade I listed building. This means it has special historical or architectural importance.
A Look at the Church's History
The Church of St Peter and St Paul is mainly a Norman building. The Normans were people from Normandy (in modern-day France) who conquered England in 1066. They built many strong and simple churches.
Over time, the church was changed and updated. Most of its original windows were replaced much later in the Middle Ages. These new windows were built in different styles of English Gothic architecture.
Gothic Styles: Decorated and Perpendicular
Two main Gothic styles were used for the new windows:
- Decorated Gothic: This style was popular in England from about 1290 to 1350. It is known for its beautiful, flowing patterns in the stone window frames. These patterns often look like leaves or other natural shapes.
- Perpendicular Gothic: This style came after Decorated Gothic, lasting from about 1350 to 1520. It is famous for its strong vertical lines in the window frames. Think of tall, straight pillars going up and down. The church's west tower, which is a tall part of the building, was also added in this Perpendicular Gothic style.
Who Looks After the Church?
The Church of St Peter and St Paul is part of the Diocese of Oxford. It is served by a group called the Langtree Team Ministry. This team also helps look after several other churches in nearby villages. These include St Mary’s Church in Ipsden, St Mary’s Church in North Stoke, St John the Evangelist Church in Stoke Row, St John the Baptist in Whitchurch Hill, St Mary’s Church in Whitchurch-on-Thames, and St Leonard’s Church in Woodcote.
