Church of St Leonard, Chelwood facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Church of St Leonard |
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| Location | Chelwood, Somerset, England |
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Listed Building – Grade II*
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| Designated | 21 September 1960 |
| Reference no. | 1320735 |
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The Church of St Leonard is a very old church in Chelwood, Somerset, England. It was built way back in the 14th century. Today, it is a "redundant church," which means it's no longer used for regular church services. It is also a special "Grade II* listed building," meaning it's an important historic place that needs to be protected.
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The Story of St Leonard's Church
The Church of St Leonard has stood for hundreds of years. It was first built in the 1300s. Over time, buildings need repairs. This church had a big makeover around 1860. This was during the Victorian era, a time when many old churches were repaired and updated.
What is a 'Redundant' Church?
When a church is called "redundant," it means it is no longer needed for regular worship services. This can happen for many reasons. Sometimes, there aren't enough people in the area to attend. Other times, there might be another church nearby that serves the community. Even though it's not used for services, the Church of St Leonard is still an important part of history.
A Special Building: Grade II* Listed
The Church of St Leonard is a "Grade II* listed building." This is a special title given to buildings in England that are very important historically or architecturally. The "II*" means it's a particularly important building of more than special interest. This protection helps make sure the church is kept safe for future generations to see and learn from.
Inside the Church: Old Features
When you look inside the church, you can find some amazing old features.
The Ancient Font
The font is a large stone basin used for baptisms. This one is very old, from the Norman period. It has tiny spiral shapes called "volutes" on its edges. There's also a decorative band at the top. Some people say these marks are where special locks used to be. Long ago, people believed these locks stopped witches from stealing the holy water!
Stained Glass Windows
The church also has beautiful stained glass windows. In the south aisle window, you can see pieces of glass from the 16th century. These pieces came from Flanders, a region in Europe known for its art.
The Church Bell
High up in the church's west tower, there is a bell. This bell is also very old, made in 1773. It was crafted by a famous bell-making family called the Bilbie family. They were well-known for making bells across the region.
