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Church of St Michael, Stoke St Michael facts for kids

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Church of St Michael
St Michaels Church (geograph 2689530).jpg
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 and interesting 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 an Anglican church, which means it belongs to the Church of England. Because it is so old and important, it is protected as a Grade II* listed building. This means it is a special historic place.

Exploring the Church's History

The Church of St Michael has a long story that goes back over 600 years. The tall, strong tower at the western end of the church is the oldest part. It was built around the year 1400. Imagine all the history that tower has seen!

How the Church Changed Over Time

Most of the church you see today 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 big rebuilding project for the Church of St Michael.

The Church's Place in the Community

For a long time, this church was connected to Doulting, a nearby village. It was like a smaller church (called a chapelry) that belonged to the main church in Doulting. Today, the Church of St Michael is part of a group of churches called a benefice. This group includes churches from Leigh-on-Mendip and Downhead. They all work together within the Diocese of Bath and Wells, which is a larger area managed by the church.

Understanding the Church's Design

The Church of St Michael is made of stone and has a traditional church design. It has a main area called the nave and a special area near the altar called the chancel.

Key Features of the Building

The nave, where people sit during services, has five sections called "bays." These bays help support the roof and give the church its shape. The tower, which is the oldest part, has strong supports on its corners called buttresses. These buttresses help the tower stand tall and strong, even after hundreds of years.

See also

  • List of ecclesiastical parishes in the Diocese of Bath and Wells
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