Church of St Lawrence, Priddy facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Church of St Lawrence |
|
|---|---|
.jpg) |
|
| General information | |
| Town or city | Priddy |
| Country | England |
| Coordinates | 51°15′35″N 2°40′39″W / 51.2597°N 2.6774°W |
| Completed | 13th century |
The Church of St Lawrence is a very old and special church located in the village of Priddy, in Somerset, England. It was first built way back in the 13th century, which means it's over 700 years old! Some parts of the church were rebuilt in the 15th century. Later, between 1881 and 1888, it was carefully repaired and updated. This church is so important that it's known as a Grade I listed building, meaning it's one of the most historically significant buildings in England.
Contents
A Look at the Church's History
The Church of St Lawrence was officially dedicated to St Lawrence on August 10, 1352. By the 1800s, the church was getting quite old and needed a lot of work. Water was even leaking through the roof! Because of this, the church went through a big repair project called a Victorian restoration. During these repairs, a special stone was found. It reminded everyone of earlier repairs done after a very big storm in 1703.
What the Church Looks Like Inside and Out
The church has several main parts. It has a nave, which is the main area where people sit. There's also a chancel, which is the part of the church near the altar. It has a north aisle and two smaller sections called north and south transepts. There's also a south porch where you enter.
The Tower and Bells
The church has a tall, three-story tower on its west side. This tower is held up by strong supports called buttresses. Inside the tower, there are bells. For a long time, the church had three bells. But in 1997, two more bells were added, so now there are five!
Special Features Inside
Inside the Church of St Lawrence, you can find many interesting old items. There are rood and parclose screens from the 15th century. These are beautiful wooden dividers. You can also see a stone pulpit, which is where the priest gives sermons. The Baptismal font, used for baptisms, is even older, dating back to the Norman period.
Most of the pews, which are the long benches where people sit, were replaced in the 1800s. The church also owns a very special silver cup called a chalice, made in 1573. It's kept safe in a bank vault. Another amazing item is a 15th-century altar frontal. This is a decorative cloth for the front of the altar, showing irises on Italian brocade fabric. It's now protected in a glass case.
The Churchyard
The church is surrounded by a circular churchyard. This churchyard is actually older than the church building itself!
Church Connections
The Church of St Lawrence in Priddy is part of the Diocese of Bath and Wells. This is a large area that includes many churches and is led by a bishop.
