Church of St Mary, Oare facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Church of St Mary |
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| Location | Oare, Somerset, England |
| Built | 15th century |
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Listed Building – Grade II*
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| Official name: Church of St Mary | |
| Designated | 22 May 1969 |
| Reference no. | 1345381 |
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The Church of St Mary is an old church located in a village called Oare in Somerset, England. It was built a very long time ago, in the 1400s! This church is considered a special historic building, known as a Grade II* listed building. This means it's important and protected because of its history and unique design.
A Look Back in Time
The oldest parts of the Church of St Mary, like the main hall (called the nave) and the inner part of the altar area (the chancel), are from the 15th century. However, some parts, like the outer chancel and the tower, were rebuilt in the 1800s.
The church is part of the Diocese of Bath and Wells. This is a large area managed by the Church of England.
A Famous Story Connection
This church is famous because it was used as a setting in the well-known novel Lorna Doone. This book was written by R. D. Blackmore. His grandfather was actually the main priest (called the rector) of this very church from 1809 to 1842. In the story, a wedding takes place at the Church of St Mary.
What the Church Looks Like
The Church of St Mary is built from stone and has roofs made of slate. It has a main hall, called a nave, which is divided into three sections. It also has two parts for the altar area, an inner and an outer chancel. The church tower has three levels.
Inside the church, you can see some interesting old features:
- There are box pews from the 1700s. These are like enclosed wooden seats where families used to sit.
- You'll find a font that is very old, from the Norman period (around 1066 to 1154). It sits on a base from the 1700s. A font is a basin used for baptisms.
- There is also a special stone basin called a piscina from the 1400s. It has a "grotesque head" carved into it. People say this carving might represent St Decuman, a saint.
