Church of St Mary the Virgin, Croscombe facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Church of St Mary the Virgin |
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| General information | |
| Town or city | Croscombe |
| Country | England |
| Coordinates | 51°11′51″N 2°35′14″W / 51.1975°N 2.5873°W |
| Construction started | 15th century |
| Completed | 16th century |
The Anglican Church of St Mary the Virgin in Croscombe, Somerset, England, is a very old and important church. Most of it was built between the 15th and 16th centuries. This means it's over 400 years old! It had some repairs and updates in the 1800s. This church is so special that it's officially recognized as a Grade I listed building. This means it's one of the most important historic buildings in England.
Contents
Church Design and Features
The Church of St Mary the Virgin has several main parts. It includes a central area called the nave and a special section for the altar known as the chancel. There are also side sections, or aisles, on both the north and south sides.
The Spire and Tower
One special thing about this church is its spire. A spire is a tall, pointed structure on top of a church tower. Most churches in Somerset do not have a spire, which makes St Mary's quite unique. The spire sits on top of a three-part tower. This tower is supported by strong diagonal buttresses, which are structures built against a wall to give it extra support.
Bells and Organ
The church has a set of six bells that can be rung together. The oldest bell was made in 1613, which means it's over 400 years old! The newest bells were added in the 1800s. There is also an organ inside the church. It was built by a company called Gray and Davison in 1837.
Inside the Church
The inside of St Mary's Church is famous for its beautiful wooden decorations. These carvings and wooden pieces are from the Jacobean period. This was a time in English history when King James I was ruling, from 1603 to 1625.
Famous Woodwork
The wooden pulpit and rood screen are especially well-known. A pulpit is a raised platform where a priest gives sermons. The rood screen is a decorative wooden screen that separates the nave from the chancel. The pulpit is decorated with the special symbols, or arms, of Arthur Lake. He was an important church leader, the Bishop of Bath and Wells, in the 1600s.
Churchyard and Community
The churchyard, which is the area around the church, is also a place of remembrance. It contains the graves of four service members who died in wars. One person died in World War I and three others died in World War II. These graves are cared for by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.
The Church of St Mary the Virgin is part of a larger group of churches. It works together with churches in nearby villages like Pilton, North Wootton, and Dinder. This group is part of the Diocese of Bath and Wells, which is a large area managed by a bishop in the Church of England.
See also
- List of Grade I listed buildings in Mendip
- List of towers in Somerset
- List of ecclesiastical parishes in the Diocese of Bath and Wells
