Christ Church, Long Load facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Christ Church |
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| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Church of England |
| Ecclesiastical or organizational status | Redundant |
| Year consecrated | 1856 |
| Location | |
| Location | Long Load, Somerset, England |
| Architecture | |
| Architect(s) | Charles Edmund Giles |
| Architectural type | Church |
| Architectural style | Early English style |
Christ Church is a historic building in Long Load, Somerset, England. It used to be a church for the Church of England. A talented architect named Charles Edmund Giles designed it. The church was built between 1854 and 1856. It stands where an even older chapel once was. Christ Church stopped being a place of worship in 2011. Today, this beautiful building is a private home. It is also a Grade II listed building, which means it's an important historical site.
A Look Back: Christ Church's Story
From Old Chapels to a New Church
Long Load had a small chapel way back in 1418. Imagine how old that is! By 1791, this old building was falling apart. So, it was taken down and a new, smaller chapel was built in 1796. But even this newer chapel became very old and worn out by the mid-1800s.
Building a Dream: The New Church Project
People in the community decided it was time for a brand new church. They also wanted a schoolroom and a home for the local priest. They needed to raise about £2,500 for this big project. By April 1855, they had collected around £1,700. The schoolroom was built first for £350. It was even used for church services until the main church was ready.
Designing the Church: Charles Edmund Giles's Plan
The plans for the new church were drawn by Charles Edmund Giles. He was an architect from Taunton. His design included space for 279 people to sit comfortably.
Construction and Consecration
Building the church started in 1854. It was a big event when the church was officially opened. The Bishop of Bath and Wells, Robert Eden, consecrated it on September 11, 1856. "Consecrated" means it was formally dedicated for religious use. The church cost about £1,300 to build. In 1867, Long Load became its own special church area, called an ecclesiastical parish.
Christ Church Today: A New Purpose
Christ Church stopped being a place of worship in 2011. After that, it was sold. In 2014, permission was given to turn the church into a three-bedroom house. So, this historic building now has a new life as a private home. In 2017, Long Load and Long Sutton joined together to form a new church parish.
Exploring the Architecture of Christ Church
Materials and Design
Christ Church is built from a type of stone called Blue Lias. It also has special decorative parts made from Hamstone. The Blue Lias stone was a gift from the Earl of Burlington. It came from his quarries in Long Sutton.
Key Features of the Building
The church has a long main hall called a nave. It also has a chancel, which is the area near the altar. There's a porch on the south side and a small room called a vestry on the north-east side. The church also has a small spire with a bell. An old wooden pulpit from the earlier chapel was kept and used in the new church.
