Church of All Saints, Martock facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Church of All Saints |
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| Location | Martock, Somerset, England |
| Built | 13th century |
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Listed Building – Grade I
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| Designated | 28 April 1987 |
| Reference no. | 422626 |
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The Church of All Saints in Martock, Somerset, England, is a very old and important building. It was built way back in the 13th century, which means it's over 700 years old! This church is so special that it's been given a "Grade I listed building" status. This means it's considered a building of exceptional historical and architectural interest.
Contents
A Look at the Church's History
Early Days and Important People
The Church of All Saints became part of Wells Cathedral in 1227. The person in charge of money for Wells Cathedral, called the Treasurer, also became the main priest and supporter of this church. He even lived nearby in a special house called the Treasurer's House.
Building the Tower
The church's tall tower was built around 1505. It has four main sections and strong supports called buttresses that go all the way up. This new tower replaced an older one that was in the middle of the church. At the same time, the rest of the church was also fixed up and made bigger. A very important lady named Lady Margaret Beaufort helped pay for this big project.
Times of Change and Damage
In July 1645, during a time of war, soldiers led by Oliver Cromwell used the church as a place to stay after a battle in Bridgwater. Sadly, they damaged the church. They even took down statues of saints from special spots high up on the walls, in an area called the clerestory.
Restoring the Church's Beauty
Over the years, the church has been carefully restored many times. Benjamin Ferrey, who was an architect for the local church area (the Diocese of Bath and Wells), worked on it from 1841 until he passed away. Later, in 1883 and 1884, Ewan Christian also helped restore the church. During his work, a new pulpit (a raised stand for preaching) was put inside.
The church's inside has some interesting features. It has a special plaster altar, which is the table used for religious services. There is also an organ that used to be in Wells Cathedral itself!
Recent Updates and Repairs
In 1919, a part of the church called the Lady Chapel was restored and furnished. A screen was also added across an archway. In 1921, an old wooden altar table from the Jacobean period (a time in English history) was fixed. It had been used as a simple table in the vestry, but it was repaired and put back as the main altar. Just two years later, in 1923, the lead roofs of the tower and other parts of the church were repaired and made new.
See also
- List of Grade I listed buildings in South Somerset
- List of towers in Somerset
- List of ecclesiastical parishes in the Diocese of Bath and Wells
