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Church of the Holy Cross, Ilam

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Church of the Holy Cross
LocationIlam
CountryEngland
DenominationChurch of England
Architecture
Heritage designationGrade I listed building
Designated1967
Administration
DioceseLichfield [2]
ParishIlam [1]

The Church of the Holy Cross, Ilam, is an Anglican church located within Ilam Park. It is a grade I listed building, and has been since 1967.[3][4]

History

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Although it is almost certain that there was both a settlement and church in Ilam in the 11th century, neither were recorded in the Domesday Book.[5]

The church likely dates from the 11th century. During the 13th century, it was partially rebuilt, and the building was extended both in 1618 and, later, in 1831.[3][4] In the years 1855 and 1856, Sir George Gilbert Scott restored the church.[6]

St Bertram's Shrine

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The 13th century altar tomb

A shrine to Beorhthelm of Stafford (also called St Betram, St Bertram or St Bertelin)[7] was established, after his death in the 8th century, at his grave. An altar tomb, which dates from either the 13th or 14th century, now marks the site of the shrine.[3][4][8] The tomb has special openings in its sides that are known as foramina, which allowed pilgrims to touch or kiss a relic.[9] People often put injured limbs through the openings in the hope that they would be healed.[10] The shrine became a popular pilgrimage site in the middle ages, and some pilgrims still visit it today.[11][5] The chapel in which the shrine is now located was built in 1618.[12]

Notable features

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A carving on the church font

Saxon crosses

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Within the churchyard, there are two stone cross shafts that date from the Saxon period.[13][12]

Church font

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The historic church font depicts episodes from the life of St Bertram. Although the style of the font is Romanesque, it is possible that it dates from the Saxon period.[12][3][5][4]

The memorial

David Pike Watts Chapel

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The large octagonal north chapel houses a carved memorial to David Pike Watts,[5] a rich brewer who bought Ilam Hall in 1809.[14] The memorial was carved by Sir Francis Chantrey;[8] it was completed in 1831.[15][7]

The holy well

St Bertram's Well

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Also known as St Bertram's Pool, the holy well is located near to the church.[5] It is thought that the water from this well has probably supplied Ilam with clean water since Saxon times.[12] The stone structure that currently surrounds the well is post-medieval.[16]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/4330/find-us/
  2. ^ https://lichfield.anglican.org/dovedale/
  3. ^ a b c d "CHURCH OF THE HOLY CROSS, Ilam - 1038155 | Historic England". historicengland.org.uk. Retrieved 2024-09-20.
  4. ^ a b c d Stuff, Good. "Church of the Holy Cross, Ilam, Staffordshire". britishlistedbuildings.co.uk. Retrieved 2024-09-20.
  5. ^ a b c d e Express, Britain. "Ilam, Holy Cross Church, History & Photos | Historic Staffordshire Guide". Britain Express. Retrieved 2024-09-20.
  6. ^ "Holy Cross, Ilam". gilbertscott.org. Retrieved 2024-09-20.
  7. ^ a b "Ilam". greatenglishchurches.co.uk. Retrieved 2024-09-20.
  8. ^ a b "Peak District walk - Ilam". Great British Life. 2018-12-05. Retrieved 2024-09-20.
  9. ^ "Shrines of Saints | The Becket Story". www.thebecketstory.org.uk. Retrieved 2024-09-20.
  10. ^ mysteriesofmercia (2023-09-12). "The Shrine of a Mercian Saint". Mysteries of Mercia. Retrieved 2024-09-20.
  11. ^ "Ilam Holy Cross | National Churches Trust". www.nationalchurchestrust.org. Retrieved 2024-09-20.
  12. ^ a b c d "Ilam". www.cheshirenow.co.uk. Retrieved 2024-09-20.
  13. ^ "St Bertram's Well, Ilam, Staffordshire". www.thenorthernantiquarian.org. Retrieved 2024-09-20.
  14. ^ Delicto (2016-05-11). "ILAM HALL". HOUSE AND HERITAGE. Retrieved 2024-09-20.
  15. ^ "A monument to David Pike Watts in the Watts Memorial Chapel at Holy Cross Church (CTP02/01/21) Archive Item - Collection of Topographical Photographs via Somerset and Wood | Historic England". historicengland.org.uk. Retrieved 2024-09-20.
  16. ^ "MNA164284 | National Trust Heritage Records". heritagerecords.nationaltrust.org.uk. Retrieved 2024-09-20.
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