Church of St Michael and All Angels, Haselbury Plucknett facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Church of St Michael and All Angels |
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| Location | Haselbury Plucknett, Somerset, England |
| Built | 14th century |
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Listed Building – Grade II*
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| Official name: Church of St Michael and All Angels | |
| Designated | 19 April 1961 |
| Reference no. | 1056149 |
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The Church of St Michael and All Angels is an old church in Haselbury Plucknett, Somerset, England. It was built a very long time ago, in the 14th century! This church is so important that it's officially recognized as a Grade II* listed building, which means it's a special historic place.
A Look Back in Time
The Church of St Michael and All Angels was first built in the 1300s and 1400s. Later, in the 1800s, it was repaired and updated. This is called a "Victorian restoration," and it included rebuilding parts of the church, like the area near the altar.
The Story of Saint Wulfric
Before this church was fully built, there was an even older church on the same spot. Around the year 1125, a very special person named Saint Wulfric came to visit it. He wanted to live a quiet life, away from the busy world. He chose to live in a small room, called a cell, right next to the church. This cell was on the cold, north side of the church, where the vestry (a room for priests) is now.
Even though he didn't get official permission to move there, he had the support of the Cluniac monks from a nearby monastery. A local lord, Sir William FitzWalter, respected Wulfric greatly. He would send food and visit him often. Wulfric also had close friends, including Osbern, the village priest, and William, a lay brother from Forde Abbey. Another person, Brichtric, seemed to join him as a helper or student.
According to a writer named Abbot John of Forde Abbey, Wulfric lived alone in this simple room for 29 years. He spent most of his time reading the Bible and praying. To show his devotion, he lived a very strict life. He didn't sleep much, ate simple meals without meat, and spent hours praying while sitting in cold water. He also wore a rough shirt made of hair and a heavy chain-mail tunic.
Discover the Church's Design
This historic church is made of stone and has slate roofs. Inside, it has a main open area called a nave with four sections. There's also a single section for the chancel, which is the part of the church near the altar. The church also has a porch at the entrance and a vestry.
The church has a tall, three-story tower. This tower is supported by strong corner buttresses, which are like extra supports built into the walls.
