Church of St Michael, Stoke St Michael facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Church of St Michael
Location	Stoke St Michael, Somerset, England
Built	c. 1400
Listed Building – Grade II*
Official name: Church of St Michael
Designated	2 June 1961
Reference no.	1173964
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The Church of St Michael is an old church located in Stoke St Michael, a village in Somerset, England. This church was built a very long time ago, around the year 1400. It is considered a special historical building, known as a Grade II* listed building, which means it's very important and protected.

History of the Church of St Michael

The oldest part of the church is its western tower. This tower was built when the church was first constructed around the year 1400. Most of the rest of the church was rebuilt much later. This happened in 1838 during a time called the Victorian restoration. During this period, many old churches were repaired and updated. Jesse Gane was the person who led this rebuilding work.

The Church of St Michael used to be a "chapelry" of Doulting. This means it was a smaller church that belonged to the main church in Doulting. Today, the church is part of a group of churches called a "benefice." This group includes churches in Leigh-on-Mendip and Downhead. All these churches are part of the Diocese of Bath and Wells, which is a large area managed by a bishop in the Church of England.

Church Architecture and Design

The Church of St Michael is made of stone. It has a main open area called a "nave" which is divided into five sections, or "bays." It also has a "chancel," which is the part of the church where the altar is located.

The church's tower is very strong. It is supported by special structures called "diagonal buttresses." These are like strong supports built into the corners of the tower to help it stand tall and firm.