Church of St Mary, Woolavington facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Church of St Mary |
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| General information | |
| Town or city | Woolavington |
| Country | England |
| Coordinates | 51°10′13″N 2°56′03″W / 51.1703°N 2.9341°W |
| Completed | 11th century |
The Church of St Mary is a very old church located in Woolavington, Somerset, England. It was first built around the 11th century, which means it's over 900 years old! Because of its age and importance, it's considered a Grade I listed building. This means it's a very special historic place that needs to be protected.
Contents
History of the Church of St Mary
The Church of St Mary has a long and interesting past.
When Was the Church Built?
There might have been a church here even before the Normans arrived in England in 1066. However, the church building you see today probably started being built around 1154. This was done by Maud and Philip Columber, who were the local lords of the manor at that time.
Who Owned the Church?
In the early 12th century, the church was given to Goldcliff Priory. A priory is like a monastery, a place where monks live and pray. This gift was made by Robert de Chandos, who was also a lord of the manor of Woolavington. Later, in the 15th century, the church became connected to the cannons of Windsor. Cannons are priests who live together as a community.
How Did the Church Change Over Time?
Over the centuries, parts of the church were added or rebuilt.
- In the 14th century, the chancel was added. The chancel is the part of the church near the altar where the clergy (like priests) and choir sit.
- Also in the 14th century, work began on the church's tower.
- By 1285, there was a separate small chapel in the churchyard. This chapel held three chantries, which were special places for people to pray for the souls of others.
- Another chapel was added to the church in 1441.
Features of the Church
The Church of St Mary has many old and interesting features inside and out.
The Church Tower
The church has a tall tower. The top parts of this tower were rebuilt in the 17th century. Inside the tower, there are eight bells that can be rung together to make music. This is called a "peal of eight bells." The oldest of these bells was made way back in 1400!
Inside the Church
When you go inside the church, you can see some very old items:
- There's a pulpit from the 15th century. A pulpit is a raised platform where a preacher stands to give a sermon.
- You can also see oak panels that are from the 15th century.
- There's a special memorial stone for Sir John Hody. He was an important English judge and even became the Chief Justice of the King's Bench in the 15th century. This means he was one of the most important judges in England at that time.
The Church Today
Today, the Church of St Mary is part of a larger group of churches called a benefice. It works together with the churches in Cossington and Bawdrip. This group is part of the Sedgemoor deanery, which is a local area for churches.
See also
- Grade I listed buildings in Sedgemoor
- List of Somerset towers
- List of ecclesiastical parishes in the Diocese of Bath and Wells
