Church of St James, Winscombe facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Church of St James |
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 Church of St James
Location in Somerset
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| 51°18′21″N 2°50′44″W / 51.305913°N 2.845658°W | |
| Location | Winscombe, Somerset |
| Country | England |
| Denomination | Church of England |
| Churchmanship | Central |
| History | |
| Status | Active |
| Dedication | St James the Great |
| Consecrated | 26 August 1236 |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Parish church |
| Heritage designation | Grade I |
| Designated | 9 February 1961 |
| Completed | 15th century |
| Administration | |
| Parish | Winscombe and Sandford |
| Archdeaconry | Archdeaconry of Bath |
| Diocese | Diocese of Bath and Wells |
The Church of St James is an old church located in Winscombe, Somerset, England. Its history goes back to the 12th or 13th century. However, the building you see today was mostly built in the 15th century. It is considered a very important historical building. This is why it is a Grade I listed building, meaning it has special protection.
Contents
A Look at Its History and Design
The Church of St James has a very long history. There are no records left of the very first church that stood here. But we know that parts like the font (a basin for baptisms) and a tall, narrow window (called a lancet window) are from the early days.
Early Beginnings
The church was officially opened, or consecrated, by a bishop named Jocelin of Wells on August 26, 1236. Three years later, he gave the church to the Dean and Chapter of Wells Cathedral. This meant it became part of the larger church community of Wells Cathedral.
The Famous Tower
Around 1435, a tall, four-story tower was added to the church. This tower is about 100 feet (30 meters) high. It was built by Bishop John Harewell. Many people think it is one of the most beautiful church towers in Somerset. At the same time, colourful stained glass windows were also put in.
Victorian Restoration
In 1863, the church was updated and improved. This is called a restoration. A new part of the church, called the chancel, was added. This work was done by a famous architect named William Burges. He also designed three beautiful stained-glass windows for the chancel. These windows were made to remember the mother of the local vicar, John Augustus Yatman.
The stained glass in the chancel is very special. One window, called the Carsleigh Window, is from around 1520. It shows how art was changing from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance. You can also find old medieval glass in two windows in the side chapel and near the organ.
The Church Bells
The bells of St James have been calling people to church for a long time. The first bells were made in 1773 by a local family of bell makers, the Bilbie family. Later, in 1903, two more bells were added by Taylors Founders.
There are eight bells in total. They are tuned to the key of E flat. The largest bell, called the tenor, weighs about 930 kilograms (which is about 18 hundredweight). These bells are still used today for Sunday services. You can hear them ringing for both the morning service and the evening service, called evensong.
See also
- List of Grade I listed buildings in North Somerset
- List of towers in Somerset
- List of ecclesiastical parishes in the Diocese of Bath and Wells
