The Major Churches Network, founded in 1991 as the Greater Churches Network, is a group of Church of England parish churches defined as having exceptional significance, being physically very large (over 1000m2 footprint), listed as Grade I, II* (or exceptionally II), open to visitors daily, having a role or roles beyond those of a typical parish church, and making a considerable civic, cultural, and economic contribution to their community.[1]
These buildings are often former monastic properties which became parish churches after the English Reformation, or civic parish churches built at a time of great wealth.
As of December 2021[update] the Church of England designates 312 churches as Major Parish Churches, which are thus eligible to join the Major Churches Network.[1][2]
- ^ a b "Major Parish Churches". Church of England. 28 May 2019. Retrieved 9 December 2021.
- ^ "Church Heritage Record: Search on "Major Public Church"". facultyonline.churchofengland.org. Retrieved 9 December 2021.