St Swithun's Church, Thorley facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Swithun's Church, Thorley |
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| Denomination | Church of England |
| Churchmanship | Broad Church |
| History | |
| Dedication | St Swithun |
| Administration | |
| Parish | Thorley, Isle of Wight |
| Diocese | Portsmouth |
| Province | Canterbury |
St Swithun's Church, Thorley is a special church in the Church of England. You can find it in Thorley, Isle of Wight, a village on the Isle of Wight in England. This church is a place where people gather for worship and community events.
Contents
History of St Swithun's Church
The current St Swithun's Church was built in 1871. An architect named W. J. Stratton designed it.
The Old Church Building
Before the current church, there was an older St Swithun's Church. Only a small part of that old church remains today. You can still see its porch and bell tower. These old parts stand in a small, unused graveyard next to Thorley Manor. The old church is about half a mile west of the new one.
Building the New Church
The new church was built a bit further east, closer to the center of Thorley village. People raised money to build it. It is made of stone and has a design that looks like churches from the late 1200s. The church was officially opened on December 9, 1871.
Inside the Church
The church has several main parts. It includes a nave, which is the main area where people sit. There is also a chancel, which is the area near the altar. The church also has north and south transepts, which are parts that stick out from the sides, making the church look like a cross.
The church has a tower where two old bells hang. These bells are from the original 13th-century church. They have old writing on them that says 'Wallerandus Trenchard et Johannes Rector Ecclesie'. In the vestry, which is a room used by the clergy, there is a 17th-century altar table. This table was also from the old church.
War Grave in the Churchyard
In the churchyard, there is a special grave. It belongs to an airman from the Royal Air Force who died during World War II. This grave is cared for by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.
The Church Organ
St Swithun's Church has a pipe organ that was built in 1875. It was made by a company called Forster and Andrews.
Organ's Special Value
You can find details about this organ on the National Pipe Organ Register. The organ is very important because of its history. The British Institute of Organ Studies has recognized its historical value. They even gave it an Historic Organ Certificate. This means it is a special and well-preserved musical instrument.
