Church of St Matthew, Wookey facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Church of St Matthew |
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| General information | |
| Town or city | Wookey |
| Country | England |
| Coordinates | 51°12′33″N 2°41′27″W / 51.2093°N 2.6907°W |
| Completed | 12th century |
The Church of St Matthew is an old and important church located in Wookey, a village in Somerset, England. It was built way back in the 1100s! This church is so special that it's a Grade I listed building, which means it's one of the most important historic buildings in the country.
The church was first given to the leaders of Wells Cathedral in 1209. Over time, parts of it were rebuilt and changed. For example, the tower, where the bells are, was built in the 1400s. It originally had five bells, and a sixth one was added in 1949. Imagine, in 1906, lightning even struck the tower!
In the 1800s, the church had a big makeover, called a Victorian restoration. A new roof was put on, but they made sure to keep the original wooden beams from the 1400s.
Right next to the church is a building called Mellifont Abbey. It was built in the 1800s and got its name from a famous abbey in Ireland. Today, Mellifont Abbey is used as a care home.
Contents
History of the Church
How Old Is the Church?
The Church of St Matthew is very old, dating back to the 12th century. That means it was built sometime in the 1100s! Over the centuries, different parts of the church have been added or changed.
Changes Over Time
The church was first given to the dean (a leader) of Wells Cathedral by a bishop named Robert. Later, another bishop, Reginald, helped rebuild parts of it. In 1209, it was officially given to the sub-dean of the cathedral.
The south chancel, a special part of the church, might have been built in 1556. This was possibly to hold a memorial for someone named Thomas Clerke.
The Church Tower
The church's tall tower was built much later, in the 15th century (the 1400s). For a long time, it held five bells. Then, in 1949, a sixth bell was added, making the sound even richer.
In 1906, something exciting happened: the tower was hit by lightning! Luckily, it was repaired and still stands tall today.
Big Makeover in the 1800s
In the 19th century, the church went through a major "restoration." This means it was carefully repaired and updated. They put on a new roof, but they were careful to keep the old wooden beams from the 1400s. This helped keep the church's historic feel.
Important People and Memorials
Who Was Sir Jacob Wolff?
Inside the church tower, behind the organ, you can find a special memorial. It's for Sir Jacob Wolff, 1st Baronet. A baronet is a special title, like a knight. Sir Jacob was also a Baron of the Holy Roman Empire, which was a very large group of lands in Europe.
Sir Jacob Wolff and his wife lived in Mellifont Abbey, the building right next to the church. Today, Mellifont Abbey is a care home.
See also
- Grade I listed buildings in Mendip
- List of Somerset towers
- List of ecclesiastical parishes in the Diocese of Bath and Wells
