Church of St Mary, Chilthorne Domer facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Church of St Mary |
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| Location | Chilthorne Domer, Somerset, England |
| Built | 13th century |
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Listed Building – Grade II*
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| Official name: Church of St Mary | |
| Designated | 19 April 1961 |
| Reference no. | 1345756 |
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The Church of St Mary is an old and beautiful church located in a village called Chilthorne Domer in Somerset, England. It was built a very long time ago, in the 1200s! This church is so special that it's officially recognized as a Grade II* listed building. This means it's an important historical place that needs to be protected.
A Look Back in Time: The Church's History
The Church of St Mary was first built in the 13th century, which means it's over 700 years old! In 1301, it became connected to Bruton Priory, which was a type of monastery.
Over the years, the church has been updated and repaired many times. Big changes happened in the 14th and 15th centuries. Later, in the 1800s, during the Victorian era, more restoration work was done to keep the building strong and beautiful.
Today, this church is part of a group of churches called the Five Crosses benefice. This group includes churches from nearby villages like Tintinhull. They all belong to the Diocese of Bath and Wells, which is a larger church area.
Exploring the Church's Design: Architecture
The Church of St Mary is built from a special local stone called hamstone. Its roofs are made of slate, and it has a small tower where the bells are kept.
Inside, the church has a main open area called a nave. This is where most people sit during services. It also has a smaller section near the altar called a chancel.
You can see many old and interesting things inside the church. The pulpit, which is a raised stand where a speaker gives sermons, dates back to the 1600s. Some of the wooden pews, where people sit, are also from that time.
The font, used for baptisms, is even older, from the 1400s. It has eight sides. In the sanctuary, which is the sacred area around the altar, there's an old stone statue called an effigy. It was made around the year 1275.
Outside the church, in the churchyard, you can find three old chest tombs. These are like stone boxes that mark graves and date from the 17th and 18th centuries.
See also
- List of ecclesiastical parishes in the Diocese of Bath and Wells
