Church of All Saints, Norton Fitzwarren facts for kids

The Church of All Saints is an Anglican church located in Norton Fitzwarren, Somerset, England. This historic building was first built a very long time ago, between the late 1200s and early 1300s. It is part of the deanery of Taunton and belongs to the diocese of Bath and Wells. The church is officially recognized as a Grade II* listed building, which means it's a very important historic place.

What is the Church of All Saints Used For?

The Church of All Saints is part of the Church of England. It works together with the Church of St John, Staplegrove as a "United Benefice." This means both churches share the same leader, who is currently The Reverend Stephen Kivett. They are both located within the deanery of Taunton and the diocese of Bath and Wells.

Exploring the History and Design of the Church

The Church of All Saints was originally built around the late 13th or early 14th century. Over time, it had two major updates in the mid-1800s. During these updates, the entrance area (called the porch) and the main part of the church (the chancel) were rebuilt. A small room for the clergy (called a vestry) was also added.

The church is made from a special type of stone called North Curry sandstone. It also has hamstone details and a roof made of slate.

Key Features of the Church Building

• Western Tower: The church has a tall tower at its western end. This tower has a crenellated top, which looks like the battlements on a castle.
• Gargoyles: On each of the tower's three levels, you can spot gargoyles. These are carved stone figures that often look like monsters.
• Clock and Niche: On the south side of the tower, there's a clock. There's also an empty space, called a niche, where a statue might have once stood.
• Stained Glass: The tower also features beautiful stained glass windows from the 1800s.
• Inside the Church: Inside, the church has an arcade, which is a row of arches. These arches are supported by eight-sided pillars with simple tops called capitals.
• Historic Status: Because of its age and special design, the church was named a Grade II* listed building in February 1955.

Special Details Inside and Out

The church has a special wooden screen from the early 1500s called a rood screen. This screen used to stretch across the entire main part of the church (the nave) and the side aisle. Now, it is split into pieces. The bottom part of this screen tells the story of the Dragon of Norton Camp.

It is also thought that the southwest corner of the church's graveyard was once a burial place for Gypsy people.

See also

• List of ecclesiastical parishes in the Diocese of Bath and Wells