Church of Saint Pancras, Widecombe-in-the-Moor facts for kids
The Church of Saint Pancras is a famous Church of England church located in a beautiful village called Widecombe-in-the-Moor in Devon, England. It is often called the Cathedral of the Moor because it is so large and impressive for a small village church. This church is a very important historical building, listed as Grade I, which means it has special architectural or historical interest.
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Why is it Called the Cathedral of the Moor?
The Church of Saint Pancras earned its special nickname, "Cathedral of the Moor," because of its impressive size. It has a tall tower that reaches about 120 feet (36 meters) high! This makes it stand out in the small village. The church was first built in the 1300s. It was designed in the Perpendicular style, which is a late form of Gothic architecture. Local granite stone was used to build it. Over the next 200 years, the church was made even bigger. This was partly paid for by money from the local tin-mining industry.
Inside the Church
When you step inside, you can look up and see the ceiling decorated with many detailed roof bosses. These are carved decorations where the beams meet. One special boss shows a circle of three hares. This symbol is known locally as the "Tinners' Rabbits" and was an emblem for tin miners.
The Great Thunderstorm of 1638
The Church of Saint Pancras was badly damaged during a very strong storm in 1638. This event is known as the Great Thunderstorm. It happened during an afternoon church service. The building was full of about 300 people. The storm was so powerful that it was thought to be caused by ball lightning hitting the church. Sadly, four people died, and about 60 others were hurt. A local legend says that the storm was caused by the Devil visiting the village.
The Coffin Stone and Long Journeys
For many centuries, the area around Widecombe was very large. Families had to walk for miles to attend church every Sunday. It was even harder when someone died. Coffins had to be carried over rough ground and up and down very steep hills.
A Resting Place for Coffins
Halfway up a hill called Dartmeet Hill, there is a special rock known as the Coffin Stone. It is close to the road. This was a place where people carrying a coffin could stop and rest. The rock itself is split into two pieces. A local story says that a very wicked man's coffin was placed there. God was supposedly unhappy about this and struck the stone with a thunderbolt, destroying the coffin and splitting the rock in half.
Famous People Buried Here
The churchyard of Saint Pancras is the resting place of Beatrice Chase. She was a writer who was well-known in the early 1900s. Her novels were often set in the beautiful Dartmoor area.
