St John the Baptist's Church, Armitage

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St John the Baptist’s Church, Armitage and Handsacre

The parish dates from 1160 and Rectors can be traced to 1298. The building’s oldest surviving structure is our font. Cut from grey sandstone in the early 12th century of Norman design and Saxon workmanship. The church tower was re-built in 1632. From 1845-7 the rest of the church was re-built and the south aisle added with a new porch and doorway.

In 1852 the north side of the church was extended to include a new chapel, vestry and organ. Our organ was built by Samuel Green in 1790 for Lichfield cathedral. In 1861 it was purchased by Josiah Spode of the well known Potteries family. Josiah was also organist at our church from 1866. The organ is the largest 18th century cathedral organ remaining in the country. In 1983 Deutsche Gramaphon funded its restoration. The organist at Westminster Abbey, Simon Preston made recordings for the label to mark Handel’s tri-centenary.

For more info visit www.preservia.co.uk