Church of St Dubricius, Porlock facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Church of St Dubricius |
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| General information | |
| Town or city | Porlock |
| Country | England |
| Coordinates | 51°12′31″N 3°35′44″W / 51.2087°N 3.5955°W |
| Completed | 13th century |
The Church of St Dubricius in Porlock, Somerset, England, is a very old and important building. It was built way back in the 13th century. This church is so special that English Heritage has named it a Grade I listed building. This means it's one of the most important historic buildings in England!
The church is named after Dubricius. He was also known as Dyfrig in Welsh. Dubricius was a saint from the 6th century. Naming the church after him might mean he visited this area long ago.
History of the Church
The Church of St Dubricius stands where an even older church once stood. That first church might have been built around the year 1120. Over the centuries, the church has been repaired and updated many times.
- In the 15th century, major restoration work was done.
- A big storm in 1703 damaged the church's spire.
- More restoration work happened between 1888 and 1891.
A Look Inside
Inside the church, you can find some amazing historical pieces.
The Harington Tomb
One of the most interesting features is a beautiful tomb made of alabaster. It dates from the late 15th century. This tomb belongs to John Harington, 4th Baron Harington (1384–1418) and his wife Elizabeth Courtenay (who died in 1471).
- John Harington fought alongside King Henry V in France in 1417.
- Elizabeth Courtenay was the daughter of Edward de Courtenay, 3rd Earl of Devon.
- Elizabeth lived longer than her first husband. She later married William Bonville, 1st Baron Bonville.
The statues on the tomb show Baron Harington wearing armor from around 1470. This was the time his widow, Elizabeth, passed away. So, the armor doesn't show what he wore when he died in 1418.
People believe Elizabeth's step-daughter, Cicely Bonville, paid for this monument. It is considered very high quality. Some say it looks "more befitting a cathedral than a retired country church."
The Old Clock
At the back of the main part of the church, called the nave, there is a very old clock. This clock dates back to the early 15th century. It's quite unusual because it has no hands or clock face! Instead, it used to strike the tenor bell every hour. This old clock was used until 1897. A new clock was put in place to celebrate Queen Victoria's jubilee.
See also
- Grade I listed buildings in West Somerset
