Church of St Mary, Nempnett Thrubwell facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Church of St Mary |
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| Location | Nempnett Thrubwell, Somerset, England |
| Elevation | 140m above sea level |
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Listed Building – Grade II*
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| Designated | 21 September 1960 |
| Reference no. | 1136164 |
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The Church of St Mary is an old and important church located on Knap Hill in Nempnett Thrubwell, Somerset, England. It was built in the 15th century, but it stands on the spot where an even older Norman church once stood. This church is recognized as a Grade II* listed building, which means it's a very special historic place.
A Glimpse into the Past
Before the 1500s, the church and its land belonged to a monastery called Flaxley Abbey. This changed around 1537, when the land was given to a person named Sir William Kingston. The church has kept records of important events like christenings, marriages, and burials since 1568. These old books help us learn about the people who lived here centuries ago.
Church Architecture and Features
The church has a tall tower with three sections. This tower holds five bells. It has strong supports called buttresses and two arched openings where the bells are. The top of the tower has a decorative wall called a parapet and square pinnacles. There is also a slightly taller stair turret next to it.
The main part of the church, called the nave, was repaired in 1864. This repair cost about £700 at the time. The chancel, which is the area near the altar, was built later in 1897. It is designed in a style known as "decorated."
Inside the church, you can see a beautiful screen. Some people believe it was designed by a famous architect named Pugin. However, others think it might have been designed by his son, Augustus Pugin the younger.
Churchyard Discoveries
In the churchyard, there is the base of a stone cross from the 15th century. This cross base is also a listed building, recognized as Grade II.
In 1929, two writers named Wade and Wade described the church in their book "Somerset." They noted some interesting details:
- The west side of the tower has two unusual carved heads, one of a man and one of a beast.
- The walls of the nave still have original "consecration crosses" from the 13th century. These are special marks made when the church was first blessed.
- The church has an old Norman doorway on the south side.
- There is also a Norman font, which is a basin used for baptisms. It has a unique carving on it.
- Near the porch, you can find the base of an ancient cross and the tomb of the first rector, Robert. His tomb has a carved cross on it.
See also
- List of ecclesiastical parishes in the Diocese of Bath and Wells
