Church of St Mary the Virgin, Westonzoyland facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Church of St Mary the Virgin |
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| General information | |
| Town or city | Westonzoyland |
| Country | England |
| Coordinates | 51°06′31″N 2°55′39″W / 51.1087°N 2.9274°W |
| Completed | 13th century |
The Church of St Mary the Virgin is an old and important church located in Westonzoyland, Somerset, England. It was built a very long time ago, in the 13th century. Because it's so old and special, it's been officially recognized as a Grade I listed building. This means it's one of the most important historic buildings in the country!
Contents
A Church with History
The Church of St Mary the Virgin has seen a lot of history. Its beautiful carved wooden roof was built in the 15th century. This church also has a special connection to two important historical events.
The Battle of Sedgemoor
After the Battle of Sedgemoor, which was a big fight in 1685, about 500 soldiers were held prisoner inside this church. It was a very important moment in English history.
Famous People
From 1508, a man named Hugh Inge was the vicar (the priest) of this church. He later became a very important person. He was a Bishop of Meath, an Archbishop of Dublin, and even the Lord Chancellor of Ireland.
The Church Tower
The church has a tall, four-part tower that was built around 1470.
Tower Features
The top of the tower has a special wall called an embattled parapet. It looks like the top of a castle wall. Below that, there's a decorative pattern called quatrefoil arcading. The tower also has strong supports called buttresses that end in pointed tops called pinnacles.
Bells and Dragons
Inside the tower, there are six bells that ring out. Look closely at the corners of the tower! You'll see strange stone carvings called hunky punks. These particular ones look like dragons!
Keeping the Church Strong
In the 1930s, the church's roof needed repairs. People in the community raised money to fix it. A famous architect named W. D. Caroe helped with the restoration work.
Remembering Airmen
Inside the church, there is a special area that remembers local airmen. These brave people lost their lives in 1918 and 1919, and again in the early 1950s after World War II.
The Church Today
The current vicar of the church is The Reverend Dr Jane Sutton. The church is part of a larger group of churches called the benefice of Westonzoyland with Chedzoy. This group belongs to the Diocese of Bath and Wells.
See also
- List of Grade I listed buildings in Sedgemoor
- List of towers in Somerset
- List of ecclesiastical parishes in the Diocese of Bath and Wells
