Church of St Michael, Shepton Beauchamp facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Church of St Michael |
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| Location | Shepton Beauchamp, Somerset, England |
| Built | 13th century |
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Listed Building – Grade I
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| Designated | 4 February 1958 |
| Reference no. | 428473 |
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The Church of St Michael is an old and beautiful church located in Shepton Beauchamp, a village in Somerset, England. It's famous for being built from a special local stone called hamstone. This church has been around since the 13th century, which is a very long time ago! Over the years, it has been changed and updated, especially in 1865 by a famous architect named George Edmund Street. Because of its history and special design, it's officially recognized as a Grade I listed building, which means it's a very important historical site.
Contents
The Church's Design and Materials
The Church of St Michael is built using two main types of stone: lias and Ham stone. These local materials give the church its unique look. The building has several important parts that make up its structure.
Inside the Church
Inside, you'll find the chancel, which is the area around the altar. There's also a small chapel on the north side and a vestry, where the clergy prepare for services. The main part of the church where people sit is called the nave.
The Tall West Tower
One of the most striking features is the tall, three-stage west tower. This tower was first built in 1477, but it was largely rebuilt in the 16th century. It has strong supports called buttresses that go up to where pinnacles (small decorative spires) used to be.
Tower Details
The top of the tower has an "embattled parapet," which looks like the top of a castle wall. You can also see gargoyles, which are carved stone figures that act as water spouts. The tower has windows with stone grilles for the bells, and blank openings below them for the ringing chamber. There are clocks with Roman numerals on the west and south sides. A higher, many-sided stair-turret is on the north corner.
The Church Bells
The tower holds eight bells. Several of these bells are very old, dating back to 1738. They were made by the Bilbie family, who were famous bell makers.
Beauchamp Manor: The Former Rectory
The building now known as Beauchamp Manor used to be the rectory. A rectory is the house where the rector, or head priest, lives. This particular rectory was built in 1874 for the rector V.S.S. Coles. It was used to house his curates (assistant priests) and visitors.
Church Community and Parish
The Church of St Michael is part of the Winsmoor benefice. A benefice is a group of churches that share a priest or clergy. This benefice is within the Crewkerne and Ilminster deanery, which is a larger administrative area for churches.
See also
- Grade I listed buildings in South Somerset
- List of Somerset towers
- List of ecclesiastical parishes in the Diocese of Bath and Wells
