Stoke Minster facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Minster Church of St Peter ad Vincula, Stoke-on-Trent |
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| Denomination | Church of England |
| Churchmanship | Broad Church |
| Website | Stoke Minster |
| History | |
| Dedication | St Peter ad Vincula |
| Consecrated | 6 October 1830 |
| Architecture | |
| Heritage designation | Grade II listed |
| Designated | 2 October 1951 |
| Architect(s) | James Trubshaw, Thomas Johnson |
| Style | Commissioners' Gothic Revival |
| Specifications | |
| Bells | 10 (1971) |
| Administration | |
| Parish | Stoke-on-Trent |
| Deanery | Stoke-on-Trent |
| Archdeaconry | Stoke |
| Episcopal area | Stafford |
| Diocese | Lichfield |
| Province | Canterbury |
Stoke Minster is a very important church in Stoke-upon-Trent, Staffordshire, England. It is officially known as the Minster Church of St Peter ad Vincula. Today, it serves as the main church for the whole city of Stoke-on-Trent.
What's in a Name?
The name "St Peter ad Vincula" means "Saint Peter in Chains." This special name comes from an old church in Rome called the Basilica of San Pietro in Vincoli.
In 2005, the church was officially renamed Stoke Minster. This new name shows how important the church is to the community and the city of Stoke-on-Trent. The word "minster" is a special title given to important churches. It is related to the word "monastery," which is a place where monks live.
A Look Back in Time
The very first church on this spot was built from wood way back in the year 670. Imagine that! Later, in 805, a stone church replaced it. Over hundreds of years, this stone church was made bigger and bigger.
You can still see parts of this old Anglo-Saxon church in the churchyard today. Some of the arches you see were rebuilt in the 1200s. There's even an old baptismal font from the Saxon times. It was once used as a garden decoration but was brought back to the church in 1932.
Many famous people from the area are buried at Stoke Minster. This includes members of the family of Josiah Spode, who was a very important potter. Josiah Wedgwood, another famous potter, is also remembered inside the church with a special marble memorial.
The title "Stoke Minster" was given to the church in a special ceremony on May 17, 2005. This was done by Bishop Jonathan Gledhill from the Lichfield area.
The Church Building
The church you see today was designed by two architects, James Trubshaw and Thomas Johnson. They started building it in 1826, and it was officially opened on October 6, 1830.
Inside the church, you'll find special ceramic memorials that honor many of the potters from the area. There's also a modern memorial dedicated to the famous football player, Sir Stanley Matthews.
The tall tower on the west side of the church has 10 bells. These bells were all remade in 1971 by a company called John Taylor & Co. The tower also has a clock with a single bell, which was made in 1888.
Stoke Minster has been recognized as a Grade II listed building since October 2, 1951. This means it's an important historical building that needs to be protected.
The Church Organ
The church's organ was built in 1899 by J. J. Binns. It was originally a private organ for a master potter named H. J. Johnson. In 1921, Johnson gave the organ to the church. He wanted it to be a memorial for his family members who died in World War I.
The organ was placed in the west gallery of the church. In 1972, it was rebuilt and updated by J. W. Walker & Sons Ltd. You can find all the details about this organ at the National Pipe Organ Register.
