St Mary With St Alban Church Teddington

Hey there, curious minds! Ever found yourself wandering around Teddington and wondered about that charming old building with the tall tower? That's St Mary With St Alban Church, and boy, does it have a story to tell!

Where Do We Start?

Let's rewind back to the 12th century. Picture this: a small village called Teddington, not much more than a few houses and a market. Along comes a guy, let's call him Richard, who decides, "Hey, we need a church here!" So, he builds one. Not just any church, mind you, but a beautiful, sturdy stone structure that's still standing today.

Now, fast forward a few hundred years. The church is still there, but it's seen better days. It's the 18th century, and the locals are like, "Yo, we need to spruce this place up!" So, they add a tower, a new porch, and even a sundial. Talk about a makeover!

Meet the Tower

Speaking of that tower, it's not just any tower. It's a perpendicular tower, which is like the cool kid on the block in the late medieval period. It's got these fancy buttresses and a tall, slim design that makes it stand out. Plus, it's got a bell, a big one, named Great Tom. You can hear it ringing the hours, or on special occasions, like weddings or funerals.

Climb up to the top, and you'll find a weather vane in the shape of a pelican. Why a pelican, you ask? Well, according to legend, pelicans were so devoted to their young that they'd pierce their own breasts to feed them with their blood. It's a symbol of Jesus' sacrifice, see?

Inside the Church

Alright, let's step inside. The first thing that hits you is the light. Those tall windows let in a ton of natural light, making it feel bright and airy. Look up, and you'll see the hammer-beam roof, which is like the church's crown jewel. It's a complex design with these cool, carved bosses at the intersections.

GENUKI: St Mary with St Albans, Teddington, Church of England, Middlesex

Now, check out the font. It's a big, old stone basin where babies get baptized. This one's got a history: it's been around since the 13th century. Imagine all the little Teddington tots who've started their journey here!

And There's More!

St Mary's is like a treasure trove of history. There's a memorial to a woman named Mary Beale, one of the first professional female portrait painters. There's a stained glass window dedicated to the Royal Naval Division, which fought in World War I. And there's even a memorial to a guy who was killed by a falling tree while out walking his dog. Talk about a random way to go!

But hey, that's history for you. It's full of surprises. So next time you're in Teddington, pop into St Mary With St Alban Church. It's not just a building; it's a piece of history, a community hub, and a pretty cool place to explore.