Church of St Mary the Virgin, Chard facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Church of St Mary the Virgin
Location	Chard, Somerset, England
Built	11th century
Listed Building – Grade I
Designated	24 March 1950
Reference no.	374037
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The Anglican Church of St Mary the Virgin in Chard, Somerset, England, is a very old and important church. It was first built a long time ago, in the late 11th century. Later, it was rebuilt in the 1400s. This church is special because it is a Grade I listed building. This means it is a historic place that is protected. In 2013, the church was added to the Heritage at Risk Register. This happened because of a leak in its roof.

About St Mary's Church

The Church of St Mary the Virgin is an Anglican church. This means it belongs to the Church of England. It is located in the town of Chard in Somerset. The church is a very old building. Its first parts were built around the late 1000s. Much of what we see today was rebuilt in the 1400s.

A Protected Building

The church is known as a Grade I listed building. This is the highest level of protection for historic buildings in England. It means the church is very important. It has special historical or architectural value. Buildings with this status are carefully looked after.

Facing Challenges

In 2013, the church was put on the Heritage at Risk Register. This list includes historic places that are in danger. The church had a problem with its roof leaking. This caused damage inside. Being on this list helps the church get support. It can then find ways to fix the issues.

Church Design and Features

The church has a special shape. It is called a "cruciform" church. This means it looks like a cross from above. It was built in a style called Perpendicular Gothic. This style was popular in England in the late Middle Ages.

Inside the Church

The main part of the church is called the nave. It has aisles on both sides. There are also porches on the north and south sides. The north transept has a special oak roof. This roof was repaired in 1975. The south transept holds the church organ. This organ was built in 1883. The church used to have galleries inside. There is also a small chapel. It is called the Fawcus chapel. This chapel is dedicated to a local doctor. It also contains the Brewer Memorial.

The Bell Tower

The tall tower at the west end of the church was built between 1505 and 1520. It holds a set of eight bells. This is called a "peal" of bells. Two of these bells were made in the 1790s. They were made by Thomas Bilbie. He was part of the famous Bilbie family of bell makers. The tower has three main levels. It also has a spiral staircase. This staircase is in the north-west corner. The clock in the tower chimes every 15 minutes. These chimes are often called the "Chard Chimes."

Church Community

A separate church room was built in 1827. This room is used for different church activities. The church is part of a larger group of churches. This group is called a benefice. It includes St Mary's in Chard. It also includes churches in Combe St Nicholas, Wambrook, and Whitestaunton. These churches work together. They are all part of the Crewkerne and Ilminster area.

See also

• Grade I listed buildings in South Somerset
• List of Somerset towers
• List of ecclesiastical parishes in the Diocese of Bath and Wells