Church of St Michael & All Angels, Greinton facts for kids

Church of St Michael & All Angels
General information
Town or city	Greinton
Country	England
Coordinates	51°07′26″N 2°50′27″W / 51.1240°N 2.8407°W / 51.1240; -2.8407
Completed	12th century

The Church of St Michael & All Angels is a very old church located in Greinton, Somerset, England. Some parts of this church were built way back in the 1100s! People even think it might have been built on a special spot that was used before Christianity. This church is so important that it has been named a Grade I listed building. This means it's one of the most important historic buildings in England.

A Long History

The Church of St Michael & All Angels has been around for a very long time. It was updated and improved in the 1300s, 1400s, and 1500s. The church has had many leaders, called rectors, since at least 1259.

Past Rectors

One rector, John Hyne, served from 1584 to 1624. He was known for some unusual actions. For example, he once allowed a 12-year-old girl to be a godmother. He also had disagreements with church wardens about the wine used for communion.

Church Features

The church's tower was built in the 1400s. It holds a set of six bells. One of these bells is very old, from the medieval period in Bristol. Other bells are dated 1586, 1707, 1788, and two from 1899.

Victorian Era Changes

During the Victorian era (the 1800s), the church had big repairs and updates. Beautiful stained glass windows were added. A new porch was built on the north side of the church. The old south porch was changed into a vestry, which is a room used by the clergy.

Church Records

Records of events at the church, like baptisms and weddings, go back to 1655. Complete records have been kept since 1777.

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