Church of All Saints, Kingsdon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Church of All Saints |
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Location | Kingsdon, Somerset, England |
Built | 15th century |
Listed Building – Grade II*
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Official name: Church of All Saints | |
Designated | 17 April 1959 |
Reference no. | 1223613 |
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The Church of All Saints is a very old and special church located in Kingsdon, a village in Somerset, England. It was first built a long, long time ago in the 13th century, which means it's over 700 years old! This church is so important that it's officially recognized as a Grade II* listed building. This means it's a building of special historical and architectural interest that needs to be protected.
Contents
A Look Back in Time
The Church of All Saints has a fascinating history. Some parts of the church are from the 13th century. However, it has been updated and changed many times over the years. A big change happened in the 15th century. At that time, a new tall tower was added to the west side of the building. This new tower replaced an older one that was on the north side.
Important Updates Over the Years
The church also had a major "Victorian restoration" in 1869. This means it was repaired and updated in the style popular during Queen Victoria's reign. More work was done on the church in 1906 to keep it in good condition. The church is part of a group of five local churches. These churches work together in an area called a 'benefice'.
What the Church Looks Like
The Church of All Saints is made of stone. It has special decorative stone called hamstone around its windows and doors. The roof is made of slate. The church has a shape like a cross when you look down from above. This is called a cruciform plan. It includes a main area called the nave, a special area for the altar called the chancel, and a side section known as the north transept.
The Church Tower and Bells
The church has a tall tower with four levels. This tower holds six bells. It also has a clock that doesn't have a face to show the time. However, the clock was recently fixed to chime the hours, so you can hear it ring! The oldest bell in the tower is very old. It was first made in the 14th century and then remade in 1951. Strong supports called buttresses help to hold up the tower.
Inside the Church
When you go inside the church, you can see many interesting things. There is a pulpit (a raised stand for speaking) that dates back to 1627. You can also see a font from the 13th century. This is a basin used for baptisms. Under the north window, there is a stone statue of a knight. This knight is shown with his legs crossed.