St. Mary the Virgin, Wotton-under-Edge
| St. Mary the Virgin, Wotton-under-Edge | |
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St. Mary the Virgin, Wotton-under-Edge
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| 51°38′20.5″N 2°20′53″W / 51.639028°N 2.34806°WCoordinates: 51°38′20.5″N 2°20′53″W / 51.639028°N 2.34806°W | |
| Denomination | Church of England |
| Churchmanship | Broad Church |
| History | |
| Dedication | St. Mary |
| Administration | |
| Parish | Wotton-under-Edge |
| Diocese | Gloucester |
| Province | Canterbury |
| Clergy | |
| Vicar(s) | Revd Rob Axford Revd Christine Axford |
| Curate(s) | Revd Peter Marsh |
| Laity | |
| Organist/Director of music | David Parfitt |
One of the oldest churches in its area, St. Mary's was consecrated on the 19 August 1283 by Bishop of Worcester, Godfrey Giffard. It is believed that most of the church as it is today was completed in 1325, some 171 years after its first recorded vicar, Gerinus, in 1154. It is one of six churches in the town of Wotton-under-Edge that together span four denominations.
The sacristy was built in the 1830s and contains charity boards that were originally from the galleries, located at the west end of the church. The sacristy contains clothing for the acolytes and minister, as well as other items used within the service.
The roof over the sanctuary is all that remains of the 16th century roof that covered the nave. The reredos (a more recent part of this church) is made from English Oak in 14th Century style to blend in with the historic image of the rest of the church, in memory of Charlotte Sewell, mother of vicar Canon Sewell (1882–1902). The East Window dates back to the completion of the church in 1325, depicting angels and saints in adoration of Christ.
This is the area near the sacristy containing the tombs of Lord Thomas IV and Lady Berkeley. Lord Thomas was the Admiral of the King's Fleet and fought in the battle of Agincourt. Lady Berkeley was responsible for the founding of local comprehensive, Katharine Lady Berkeley's School. The brasses over their tombs date from 1392 and are thus the second oldest in Gloucestershire.
The choir stalls were built into the church in 1885, the incredible chandelier that swings above was a gift from clothier William Moore, in 1763 - but is only lit at major events.
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Wikipedia