By the mid-18th century, St. John the Baptist Church faced the toll of centuries of wear. Essential repairs began in 1752, restoring the roof and steeple, but by the 1840s, larger reconstruction was necessary. With the population growing and the church in disrepair, the nave and aisles were rebuilt, blending Norman and Gothic styles.
Tag: Armitage
From Hermit’s Haven to Parish Landmark: The Ancient Church of Armitage
Step back to 1790 and explore the historic St. John the Baptist Church. From Saxon carvings to medieval relics, uncover the secrets of this ancient gem before its rebuild. A journey through faith, architecture, and local heritage awaits!
A Historic Chapel’s Transformation: From Worship to Cannabis Factory to Home
Built in 1820 as a private Congregational chapel, this Gothic Revival gem evolved over centuries before ceasing religious use in 1999. After a controversial stint as a cannabis factory, it faced years of neglect. Now, with plans approved, this Grade II Listed Building is set for a new life as a home.
John Webb, Gardener to The Gentry
By Roy Fallows The churchyard to St John the Baptist parish church in Armitage is a pleasant place where generations of local families have been laid to rest. Most of the headstones and memorials are quite modest and in various states of repair. However, a short walk to the west end of the church reveals… Continue reading John Webb, Gardener to The Gentry
Lodge Cottage
Lodge Cottage in Armitage reveals centuries of history, from its 15th-century cruck-frame origins to intriguing features like a coffin chute and witch marks. Once part of the Armitage Lodge estate, this Grade II-listed building embodies architectural evolution, local folklore, and careful preservation.
Ringing Through the Centuries: The Story of St. John the Baptist Church Bells
The bells of St. John the Baptist Church in Armitage have evolved from two simple 16th-century bells to six majestic ones by 2001. They echo centuries of history, innovation, and community effort, celebrating milestones and bringing life to the village with their resounding melodies.
Discovery of a vault under the chancel of Armitage Church
The rediscovery of a hidden 19th-century family vault beneath the chancel of St. John the Baptist Church in Armitage revealed links to the Lister family of Armitage Park. Likely built by Thomas Lister (1772-1828), the vault adds a fascinating chapter to the church’s rich neo-Norman history.
Armitage Lodge
Armitage Lodge, a grand Georgian-era residence with Tudor roots, was once the finest house in the village. Renowned for its elegant architecture, gardens, and social role, it succumbed to mining subsidence in 1975, erasing a rich legacy that would likely have earned it Grade I or II-listed status today.
The Towers
Evidence challenges the widely held belief that Rev. Francis Wilson built The Towers in the 1830s. Clues include architectural features, earlier property records, and stylistic differences from Wilson’s confirmed constructions. Historical auctions and renovations highlight the estate’s complex evolution, from a prominent residence to its varied uses in the 20th century.
Problems for a Rector
The English Reformation reshaped religion in England, balancing Catholicism and Protestantism. Nathaniel Mansfield, Armitage’s Rector during the Puritan era, was ejected under the 1662 Act of Uniformity for refusing to conform to the Church of England, reflecting the turbulent national struggle over faith and governance.