Church of All Saints, Wootton Courtenay facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Church of All Saints |
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| General information | |
| Town or city | Wootton Courtenay |
| Country | England |
| Coordinates | 51°10′49″N 3°31′13″W / 51.1802°N 3.5204°W |
| Completed | 13th century |
The Church of All Saints is a very old church in Wootton Courtenay, Somerset, England. It was built way back in the 1200s! This church is so important that it's officially a "Grade I listed building." This means it's a special historic place that needs to be protected.
Contents
A Look Inside the Church
A church stood on this spot even before the 1200s. The main parts of today's church, like the nave (the main area where people sit) and the chancel (the area near the altar), are from the 13th century. The tall, four-part tower is also from that time.
These parts were built using local red sandstone. They also used a special kind of stone called Hamstone for details.
In the 1400s, the nave got a new roof. Around the same time, a new section called the north aisle (a side part of the church) was added.
Changes Over Time
The church had a big makeover in the 1800s. This was part of a time called the Victorian restoration. During this time, the porch (the entrance) was rebuilt. The church tower was also made taller.
Many of the beautiful wooden parts inside the church were carved by skilled local people.
In 1964, the roof had a problem with tiny bugs called deathwatch beetles. These bugs eat wood, so the roof had to be replaced to keep the church safe.
Inside the church, you can see a very old chest from the 1400s. It's made of wood and has strong iron bands. This chest was used to keep important church items and valuables safe. The colorful stained glass windows you see today were put in during the 1800s.
The Churchyard Cross
Outside in the churchyard, there's an old stone cross. It's from the early 1400s. The top part of the cross, called the calvary (which usually shows a cross or a figure of Jesus), was replaced in the mid-1800s.
The Church Community
The Church of All Saints is part of a group of churches called a benefice. This group includes churches in nearby towns like Dunster, Carhampton, Withycombe, Roduish, and Timberscombe. They all work together within the Exmoor area.
See also
- Grade I listed buildings in West Somerset
- List of Somerset towers
- List of ecclesiastical parishes in the Diocese of Bath and Wells
