Church of St Mary the Virgin, Ston Easton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Church of St Mary the Virgin |
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| Location | Ston Easton, Somerset, England |
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Listed Building – Grade II*
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| Official name: Church of St. Mary The Virgin | |
| Designated | 21 September 1960 |
| Reference no. | 1295301 |
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The Church of St Mary the Virgin is a very old church located in Ston Easton, a village in Somerset, England. This church is a special historical building. It has been standing since the 11th century, which means it is over 900 years old! The church also has a tall, strong tower that was added in the 15th century.
This church is officially recognized as a Grade II* listed building. This means it is a very important historical site. It is protected by law to make sure it stays safe for many more years.
Inside the Church
When you step inside the Church of St Mary the Virgin, one of the most amazing features is the Norman chancel arch. This arch is very old and has a rounded, semi-circular shape. It also has small columns, called colonettes, on its sides.
Many of the items you see inside today were added in the 19th century. These include the wooden benches, known as pews, where people sit. The choir stalls, where the choir sings, and the altar rails are also from this time. You can also see the pulpit, the font used for baptisms, and a decorative screen.
The church also has several wall monuments. These are special plaques from the 18th and 19th centuries. They remember members of the Hippisley Coxe family. This family lived at Ston Easton Park and had their own special chapel inside the church. This chapel is at the east end of the north aisle.
A History of Building and Rebuilding
Over the centuries, the Church of St Mary the Virgin has been changed and updated. The chancel, which is the area around the altar, was rebuilt in 1707. Later, around 1800, the south aisle of the church was also rebuilt.
The church went through a big rebuilding project in the 19th century. An architect named Arthur Blomfield led this work. It was a very careful process! Most of the building, including the ancient Norman arch, was taken apart. Each stone was carefully marked so it could be put back in exactly the same spot. This way, the church kept its original look and feel.
Today, the church is part of the local church area called the benefice of Chewton Mendip. It also belongs to the larger church region known as the archdeaconry of Wells.
See also
- List of ecclesiastical parishes in the Diocese of Bath and Wells
