Church of St Andrew, Ansford facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Church of St Andrew |
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| Location | Ansford, Somerset, England |
| Built | 15th century |
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Listed Building – Grade II*
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| Official name: Church of St. Andrew | |
| Designated | 24 March 1961 |
| Reference no. | 1307553 |
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The Church of St Andrew is a very old church located in Ansford, a village in Somerset, England. It was first built way back in the 15th century, which means it's over 500 years old! This church is considered a special historical building, known as a Grade II* listed building. This means it's very important and protected because of its history and architecture.
Contents
A Look at Its History
The Church of St Andrew has a long and interesting past. While the church building you see today has parts from the 15th century, much of it was rebuilt later.
How the Church Changed Over Time
The tall tower of the church is the oldest part, still standing from the 15th century. However, the rest of the church was rebuilt in 1861. This big renovation was done by an architect named Charles Edmund Giles. So, it's a mix of very old and slightly newer parts!
Famous People Connected to the Church
In the 18th century, a well-known writer named James Woodforde had family members who were in charge of the church. James Woodforde was famous for writing The Diary of a Country Parson, which gives us a peek into life in the countryside a long time ago.
Joining Forces with Another Church
More recently, in 2017, the Church of St Andrew joined with another church, All Saints in Castle Cary. They now work together as one church community.
What the Church Looks Like
The Church of St Andrew is made of stone, with special Doulting stone details and slate roofs. It has several main parts that make up its shape.
Inside the Church
The church has a main area called the nave and a section near the altar called the chancel. There's also a north aisle, which is like a side walkway. You can find a small room called a vestry and a space for the organ.
The Tower and Its Bells
The church has a tall tower on its west side. This tower is supported by strong corner buttresses, which are like extra supports on the outside walls. The tower is home to six bells! For many years, it only had four bells, but more were added in the 1990s.
Old Treasures Inside
While much of the inside of the church was updated in the 1800s, some very old items remain. There's a pulpit from the 17th century, which is where sermons are given. You can also see a wooden chest that dates back to the 16th century. And perhaps the oldest item is the font, which is used for baptisms. It's made of yellow-grey stone and is thought to be from the 12th or 13th century! It measures about 1.94 meters around.
See also
- List of ecclesiastical parishes in the Diocese of Bath and Wells
