Church of St John the Baptist, Glastonbury facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Church of St John the Baptist |
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| General information | |
| Town or city | Glastonbury |
| Country | England |
| Coordinates | 51°08′54″N 2°42′58″W / 51.1482°N 2.7162°W |
| Completed | 15th century |
The Church of St John the Baptist in Glastonbury, Somerset, England, is a very important church. It was built in the 15th century and is known as "one of the most impressive parish churches in Somerset." It is so special that it has been given a Grade I listed building status. This means it is a building of exceptional historical and architectural interest.
Contents
History of the Church
The church you see today replaced an older one. People believe a church has been on this spot for a very long time, even before the 12th century. A legend says that Saint Dunstan built the first church here in the 900s.
When people dug under the church, they found old foundations. These might be from a large central tower built during Saxon times (before 1066). There were also signs of a Norman church (from after 1066). The central tower was used until the 15th century, but it probably fell down. After that, the church was rebuilt into what we see now.
Part of the north aisle, which is a side section of the church, still has stones from the 12th century. This is in what used to be Saint Katherine's Chapel.
In June 1685, during the Monmouth Rebellion, soldiers used the church for shelter. Also, between 1800 and 1804, French prisoners of war stayed overnight in the church four times. They were likely being moved from one place to another.
From 1856 to 1857, the church was repaired and given new seating by Sir George Gilbert Scott. This work cost £3000. He made sure the church looked even more like a Perpendicular Gothic building. This style of architecture is known for its tall, slender features and large windows.
The church is built using local stones like Doulting stone, Street stone, and Tor burr. It has a cruciform (cross-shaped) layout. It also has a nave (the main part of the church) with aisles (side passages) and a clerestory (a high section of wall with windows).
Inside the Church
Inside the church, you can see some interesting things. There are four stone chests from the 15th century where important people were buried. You can also find beautiful stained glass windows in the chancel (the area around the altar) from the 1400s.
The church also has old medieval vestments (special clothes worn by priests). There's even a wooden cupboard from around 1500 that used to be in a place called Witham Charterhouse.
Near the front of the tower, there are two large carvings. They show the 'Madonna with Child' and the 'Resurrection Christ'. These were made in 1945 by an artist named Ernst Blensdorf, after he escaped from the Nazis.
Tower and Bells
The church's west tower is very impressive. It has strong supports called buttresses, decorative panels, and a top edge with square shapes called battlements. The tower stands about 41 meters (134½ feet) tall. It is the second tallest parish church tower in Somerset. This tower replaced an older central tower in the 15th century. Many other church towers, like the one at Northington Parish Church, were inspired by Glastonbury's tower. It's quite unique because it has a clock that chimes, but no clock face to tell the time!
St John's Church has had bells since 1403. The oldest bell still in use was first made in 1612. It has a special message carved on it: 'I sound to bid the sick repent in hope of life when breath is spent'. This bell was remade in 1992. In 1878, the church added more bells, making a total of eight. The largest bell weighs about 712 kilograms (14 cwt), and the smallest weighs about 250 kilograms (5 cwt).
Churchyard Features
In the churchyard, there is a special thorn tree. It grew from a cutting of the famous Glastonbury Thorn. Every Christmas, a blossom from this tree is sent to the King or Queen. Young students from St John's Infants School gather around the tree to sing carols. The oldest student gets to cut the branch that is sent to London.
Near the church gates, you can find the tercentennial labyrinth. It was created in 2007 to celebrate Glastonbury getting its town charter from Queen Anne in 1705. A labyrinth is a winding path used for walking and thinking. This one is made of grass, and its path is marked by blue lias stonework, which is a local type of stone. A local expert on earth energies, Sig Lonegren, designed the labyrinth.
Important Vicars
Many vicars have served at St John's Church over the years. Here are a few notable ones:
- Thomas Parfitt was the longest-serving vicar. He held the position for over 52 years, from 1812 until he passed away in 1865.
- Charles Sydenham Ross became vicar in 1865. He was known for introducing a robed choir and processions at the church. He passed away during a Christmas Eve service in 1893.
- Henry Lowry Barnwell served as vicar for 18 years, starting in 1894. After he passed away in 1912, a beautiful oak screen was put up in the side chapel in his memory.
- Charles Victor Parkinson Day was vicar from 1912. He volunteered as a chaplain during World War One, serving in places like France. He was recognized for his service with a CBE award.
- Lionel Smithett Lewis became vicar in 1921. He was very interested in the legends of the Holy Grail and Joseph of Arimathea. He also helped start the Blue Cross, which worked to treat animals kindly during the war.
Current Church Activities
Today, the Church of St John's is led by the Reverend David MacGeoch, along with the Reverend Robin Ray and a team of lay readers (people who help with church services). St John's works closely with St Benedict's Church in Glastonbury and St Mary's & All Saints Church in the village of Meare. They are part of a joint group called a benefice.
Music at St John's
St John's Church has a strong tradition of music. It also has close connections with Wells Cathedral. A choir that wears special robes was first started by Charles Sydenham Ross in 1865.
Today, the church choir has many adults and young people. They are led by Matthew Redman, who is the organist and choirmaster. The choir is so good that they often sing in famous cathedrals like Exeter, Salisbury, Hereford, and Wells.
With help from the Cathedral School in Wells, St John's Glastonbury offers a special scholarship. Each year, a talented organ scholar is chosen to work with the Director of Music. This gives them experience working in a parish church.
See also
- List of Grade I listed buildings in Mendip
- List of towers in Somerset
- List of ecclesiastical parishes in the Diocese of Bath and Wells
