Church of St James, Chilton Cantelo facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Church of St James
Location	Chilton Cantelo, Somerset, England
Built	15th century
Listed Building – Grade II*
Official name: Church of St James
Designated	19 April 1961
Reference no.	1056835
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The Church of St James is an old church in Chilton Cantelo, Somerset, England. It was built in the 15th century, which means it's over 500 years old! This church is a very special historic building. It is known as a Grade II* listed building, which means it's important and protected.

History of the Church

The church has a tall tower that was built in the 15th century. Some parts of the church are even older than that. The building was fixed up and made new again between 1864 and 1865. This work was done by a famous architect named Sir Arthur Blomfield. At that time, Charles Old Goodford was the person in charge of the church. The Church of St James is part of a group of churches. This group includes churches in Ashington, Mudford, and Rimpton. They all belong to the Diocese of Bath and Wells.

What the Church Looks Like

The church building is made of stone. It has special hamstone decorations and clay tile roofs. The inside of the church has a main area called a nave and a chancel. There is also a porch on the south side. The tall tower on the west side has three levels. It is supported by strong corner buttresses. There is also a small stair turret with a weathercock on top. The tower holds five bells. The oldest bell was made in the 17th century.

Inside the church, you can see a font from the 12th century. A font is a large basin used for baptisms. There is also an early piscina, which is a stone basin used for washing sacred vessels. The round font is made of hamstone and is about 0.9 meters wide. It has a lead lining. You can also find a wall tablet inside. This tablet is a memorial to Lieutenant Charles Goodford, who died in World War I.

There's an interesting local story about a man named Theophilus Brome. He died in 1670. He wanted his body buried in the church. However, he asked for his skull to be kept separately. It is said to be in a cupboard at Higher Chilton Farm. Local stories say that strange things happen when people try to move it.

See also

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