Church of St Mary, Chesterblade facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Church of St Mary |
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| Location | Chesterblade, Somerset, England |
| Built | 12th century |
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Listed Building – Grade II*
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| Official name: Church of St Mary | |
| Designated | 2 June 1961 |
| Reference no. | 1222368 |
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The Church of St Mary is a historic building in Chesterblade, Somerset, England. It is a Church of England church that was first built way back in the 12th century. This means it is over 800 years old!
The church is considered a Grade II* listed building. This special status means it is a very important historical building. It is protected to make sure it stays safe for many years to come. You can find the church about three miles northeast of Evercreech and three miles southeast of Shepton Mallet.
Contents
History of the Church
How Old Is It?
The Church of St Mary was originally built in the 1100s, during the 12th century. Over the years, it has been changed and updated. There were big changes made in the 13th and 15th centuries.
Victorian Updates
Later, in 1888, the church had a major "Victorian restoration." This means it was repaired and updated in the style popular during the Victorian era. Many old churches were restored around this time.
Church Connections
The church was once connected to St John's Priory, Wells. Today, the parish of Evercreech with Chesterblade is part of a larger group of churches. This group is called the Alham Vale benefice, and it belongs to the Diocese of Bath and Wells.
Church Design and Features
What Does It Look Like?
The Church of St Mary has a main area called the nave, which has three sections or "bays." There is also a small porch on the south side. At the front of the church is the chancel, where the altar is usually found.
Special Roof and Bell
Above the nave, you can see a small bellcote. This is a small tower that holds the church bell. The roof inside the church is a special type called a king post roof. This design uses a central wooden post to support the roof's structure.
Inside the Church
- The chancel has some beautiful wooden panels. These panels are from the Jacobean period, which was in the early 1600s.
- The pulpit, where sermons are given, is made of stone and dates back to the 15th century.
- The font, used for baptisms, is even older. It is from the Norman period, which means it is from around the 11th or 12th century.
- The font stands on a base of Victorian encaustic tiles. These are decorative tiles with patterns baked into them.
- The font itself is about 0.89 meters (or about 3 feet) tall. It sits on an eight-sided base.
