Church of All Saints, Monksilver facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Church of All Saints |
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Church of All Saints in 2007
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| General information | |
| Town or city | Monksilver |
| Country | England |
| Coordinates | 51°07′43″N 3°19′35″W / 51.1286°N 3.3263°W |
| Completed | 12th century |
The Church of All Saints is a very old and special church located in Monksilver, a village in Somerset, England. It was first built way back in the 12th century, which means it's over 800 years old! Because it's so important and historic, English Heritage has given it a special Grade I listed building status. This means it's one of the most important historic buildings in England. The church also has a tall, square tower on its west side, which was added later in the 14th century.
Contents
Exploring the Church's Design
This ancient church is built from red sandstone and has a roof made of slate, decorated with special tiles along the top. Inside, the church has a main area called a nave, a side section known as a south aisle, a chancel (the area around the altar), a south chapel, and a south porch.
The Tower and Its Features
The church's tower has three main levels. On top, it has "crenelations," which look like the battlements you might see on a castle. These were added when the church was repaired and updated between 1843 and 1863. During this time, the south chapel was also built.
The tower holds a set of five bells! One of these bells is very old, made by Roger Semson between 1530 and 1570. Imagine how many times those bells have rung over the centuries!
Inside the Church
When you step inside, you'll notice the walls are painted white. The main roof over the nave is a special type called a "wagon roof," and experts think it might be from the 13th century. Near the door, there's an old wooden box for donations, called an alms box, which dates back to 1634.
One very rare and interesting feature is the Easter Sepulchre. It looks a bit like a tomb and is even older than the Reformation, a big change in the church's history. There's also a 12th-century window on the north side of the chancel, showing just how old parts of this building are.
The pulpit, where sermons are given, is from the 16th century. The screen inside the church is from the Jacobean period (early 1600s), and the lectern (where readings are done) might be even older!
Fun Facts About the Church
The south aisle of the church is famous for having "some of the most entertaining gargoyles in the county." Gargoyles are carved stone figures, often shaped like monsters or animals, that stick out from buildings. They were originally used as water spouts to drain rain away from the walls.
Churchyard and Famous Connections
Outside the church, in the churchyard, there's a very old yew tree. People believe this tree has been growing there since 1770! There's also a historic cross in the churchyard, south of the chancel, which was put there in 1863 and is also a Grade II listed structure.
A Famous Wedding
Did you know that a very famous person got married at this church? In 1583, Sir Francis Drake, a famous English explorer and sea captain, married his second wife, Elizabeth Sydenham, right here at the Church of All Saints! Elizabeth was from nearby Combe Sydenham.
More to Explore
- Grade I listed buildings in West Somerset
- List of Somerset towers
- List of ecclesiastical parishes in the Diocese of Bath and Wells
