Church of St Margaret, Middle Chinnock facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Church of St Margaret |
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| Location | Middle Chinnock, Somerset, England |
| Built | 12th century |
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Listed Building – Grade II*
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| Official name: Church of St Margaret | |
| Designated | 19 April 1961 |
| Reference no. | 1057169 |
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The Church of St Margaret is an old church located in Middle Chinnock, a village in Somerset, England. It was built a very long time ago, in the 12th century. This church is considered a very important historical building and is officially recognized as a Grade II* listed building. This means it's protected because of its special history and architecture.
Contents
A Look at the Church's History
How the Church Was Built
The main part of the Church of St Margaret was first built in the 1100s. Later, in the 14th or 15th centuries (that's the 1300s or 1400s), a tall tower and a porch were added. These additions made the church even bigger and more impressive.
Changes Over Time
In the 19th century, the church went through a big makeover called a Victorian restoration. This means people in the Victorian era (the time when Queen Victoria ruled, from 1837 to 1901) fixed up and changed parts of the church. During this restoration, a gallery inside the church was removed.
Church Community
The church is part of a larger group of churches called the Norton-sub-Hamdon benefice. This group is part of the Diocese of Bath and Wells, which is a larger area managed by the Church of England.
Exploring the Church's Design
Building Materials and Shape
The Church of St Margaret is made from a type of local stone called hamstone. Its roofs are covered with slate. The church is about 57 feet (17 meters) long. It has a main area called a nave with three sections, and a smaller area near the altar called a chancel with two sections.
The Church Tower
The church has a two-stage tower that stands about 40 feet (12 meters) tall. This tower is supported by strong buttresses, which are structures built against the walls to give them extra support.
Inside the Church
When you go inside the church, you can see some interesting old items. There are decorative panels and a special painted board called a hatchment that date back to the 15th to 17th centuries. There's also a font from the 12th century, which is a basin used for baptisms. A stone statue, or effigy, of a priest from the 14th century was carefully repaired in 1928 by an expert named W. D. Caröe.
Outside the Church
In the churchyard, which is the area around the church, there is a war memorial. It has a tall, narrow base and a cross with a wheel shape. You can also find a very old and large Yew tree there. In 2014, this tree had a trunk that was about 15 feet 11 inches (4.85 meters) around!
