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 and important church located in Woolavington, a village in Somerset, England. It was first built around the 11th century, which means it's over 900 years old! This church is so special that it's officially recognized as a Grade I listed building, meaning it's a building of exceptional historical interest.
Contents
A Look at the Church's History
The Church of St Mary has a long and interesting past. It has stood for centuries, watching history unfold.
How Old Is This Church?
People think there might have been a church here even before the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. The church building you see today probably started being built around 1154. This was done by Maud and Philip Columber, who were important landowners in the area back then.
Important Changes Over Time
In the early 1100s, the church was given to Goldcliff Priory. A priory was like a monastery, a place where monks lived and prayed. This gift was made by Robert de Chandos, another lord of the manor.
Later, in the 1300s, more parts were added to the church. The chancel, which is the area around the altar, was built. The church tower also started to take shape during this time.
By 1285, there was a separate small building in the churchyard. This building held three "chantries." A chantry was a special place where priests would pray for the souls of specific people who had died. In 1441, another chapel was added to the church. By the 1400s, the church became connected to the canons of Windsor. Canons are like priests who are part of a special group connected to a cathedral or royal chapel.
The Church Tower and Bells
The church has a tall tower that is a key part of its look.
The Tower's Design
The top parts of the tower were rebuilt in the 1600s. This means the tower has a mix of very old and slightly newer sections.
The Church Bells
Inside the tower, there are eight bells. These bells ring out across the village. The oldest bell is incredibly old, cast way back in 1400! Imagine how many times that bell has rung over the centuries.
Inside the Church
The inside of the Church of St Mary holds many historical treasures.
Old Wooden Features
You can see a pulpit inside, which is a raised stand where the priest gives sermons. There are also beautiful oak panels. Both the pulpit and the panels are from the 1400s.
A Judge's Memorial
There is a special memorial stone for Sir John Hody. He was a very important person in England during the 1400s. Sir John Hody was a judge and even became the Chief Justice of the King's Bench. This was one of the most powerful legal jobs in the country.
The Church Community
The Church of St Mary is still an active church today. It serves the local community.
What is a Parish?
The church is part of a "benefice," which is a group of churches that share a priest. This benefice includes Woolavington, along with the nearby villages of Cossington and Bawdrip. They are all part of the Sedgemoor deanery, which is a larger area within the church's organization.
See also
- Grade I listed buildings in Sedgemoor
- List of Somerset towers
- List of ecclesiastical parishes in the Diocese of Bath and Wells
