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Church of St Luke and St Andrew, Priston facts for kids

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Church of St Luke and St Andrew
Gray building with arched windows. Square tower surmounted by a weather vane. Gravestones and crosses in grass in the foreground separated from the road by a stone wall.
Location Priston, Somerset, England
Built 12th century
Listed Building – Grade I
Designated 1 February 1954
Reference no. 32725
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The Church of St Luke and St Andrew is a very old and special church located in Priston, Somerset, England. Parts of the church, like its main hall (called the nave), were built way back in the 12th century. This means it's over 800 years old! The church stands on the spot where an even older Norman church once stood. Because of its age and importance, it has been given a special status as a Grade I listed building. This means it's one of the most important historic buildings in England.

A Look at the Church's History

The Church of St Luke and St Andrew has a long and interesting past. It has been changed and rebuilt many times over the centuries.

Norman Roots and Later Changes

The arches that support the central tower of the church still have some of their original stone from the Norman period. This shows how old some parts of the building truly are! However, these arches were rebuilt in 1859 to make them stronger. Ten years later, in 1869, the chancel (the part of the church near the altar) was also updated. This work was overseen by a famous architect named Sir George Gilbert Scott.

The Tower and Its Big Weather Vane

The church's tower was built in the 15th century, which makes it about 500 years old. At the very top of the tower, you'll see a really big weather vane. This weather vane is much larger than you might expect for a church tower! It was given as a gift in 1813 by the lord of the manor, who was an important person in the local area at the time.

Inside the Church

When you go inside the Church of St Luke and St Andrew, you can see more of its history. One of the oldest items is an octagonal (eight-sided) font. This font was made in the 14th century, meaning it's over 600 years old! It's where baptisms, a special church ceremony, take place.

Church Community

The church is part of a larger group of churches in the area. This group includes churches from Timsbury, Priston, Camerton, and Dunkerton. They all work together within the Diocese of Bath and Wells, which is a larger church region.

See also

  • List of Grade I listed buildings in Bath and North East Somerset
  • List of towers in Somerset
  • List of ecclesiastical parishes in the Diocese of Bath and Wells
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