Church of St Mary the Virgin, East Stoke facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Church of St Mary the Virgin
Location	East Stoke, Stoke-sub-Hamdon, Somerset, England
Built	12th century
Listed Building – Grade I
Designated	19 April 1961
Reference no.	1260420
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The Church of St Mary the Virgin is a very old church located in East Stoke, a small place near Stoke-sub-Hamdon in Somerset, England. It was built way back in the 12th century, which means it's over 800 years old! Because it's so important and historic, it has been given a special status as a Grade I listed building. This means it's one of the most important historic buildings in England. Long ago, this church was actually named after a different saint, Saint Denis.

What is Norman Architecture?

Much of the church, including its main hall (called the nave) and the area around the altar (called the chancel), shows a style of building known as Norman architecture. This style was popular in England after the Normans arrived in 1066. You can see it in the strong, thick walls and the beautiful stone carvings. The church's structure is held up by special supports called pilaster buttresses. These are like flat columns built into the walls.

How the Church Grew Over Time

The church wasn't built all at once. Different parts were added over many years. For example, the north transept, which is like a side wing of the church, was built around the year 1225. The south transept, another side wing, was added a bit later, around 1300.

The Church Tower and Its Carvings

The church has a tall tower that holds six bells. This tower also shows off some amazing medieval carvings. These carvings include abstract shapes called corbels, which are decorative supports sticking out from the wall. There's also a special carved stone panel above a doorway, called a tympanum, which shows astrological symbols.

Cool Carvings to Spot

One of the most famous carvings shows St Michael fighting a dragon. It's a very detailed and old piece of art! You might also find two carvings that are thought to be Sheela na Gigs. These are ancient, mysterious figures often found on old churches. The top part of the tower was built in the 13th century, and the decorative top edge, called a parapet, was added in the 15th century.

Restoration Work

Like many old buildings, the Church of St Mary the Virgin needed some repairs and updates over the centuries. A big restoration project happened in 1862. This work was led by a famous architect named Benjamin Ferrey. He helped make sure the church stayed strong and beautiful for future generations.

The Church Today

The church is still an active place of worship. It belongs to the benefice of Stoke-sub-Hamdon, which is a group of churches in the area. This group is part of the Wells archdeaconry, which is a larger division within the Church of England.

Protecting Old Monuments

In the churchyard, there are some very old monuments from the 17th century. These are also listed as Grade II* buildings, meaning they are very important. Sadly, some of these monuments have had problems with the ground sinking (called subsidence). This has caused moisture to rise up into the stone, leading to salt crystals forming. These crystals are damaging the old inscriptions on the monuments. Because of this, these monuments have been added to the Heritage at Risk Register. This list helps highlight historic places that need special care and attention to prevent them from being lost.

See also

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