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 located in Haselbury Plucknett, a village in Somerset, England. This church was built a very long time ago, in the 14th century. It is considered a special historical building, known as a Grade II* listed building, which means it's important to protect.
History of the Church
The main parts of the church were built during the 14th and 15th centuries. Later, in the 19th century, the church had some big repairs and changes. This period is called the Victorian restoration. During this time, parts like the chancel (the area around the altar) were rebuilt.
Saint Wulfric's Story
A very old church stood on this same spot before the current one. In 1125, a holy man named Saint Wulfric visited it. He wanted to live a quiet life, away from the 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 chancel, where the vestry (a room for clergy) is now.
Even though he didn't get official permission from the church leaders, he had support from the Cluniac monks at Montacute. A local lord, Sir William FitzWalter, respected Wulfric greatly. He sent food to Wulfric and visited him often. Wulfric also had close friends, including Osbern, the village priest, and William, a monk from Forde Abbey.
According to a writer named Abbot John of Forde Abbey, Wulfric lived alone in his simple cell for 29 years. He spent most of his time reading the Bible and praying. He lived a very strict life, sleeping very little and eating simple, meatless meals. He even spent hours praying in cold water and wore uncomfortable clothes to show his devotion.
Today, the church is part of the Wulfric benefice, which is a group of churches. It belongs to the Diocese of Bath and Wells.
Church Design and Structure
The Church of St Michael and All Angels is made of stone and has slate roofs. It has a main area called a nave with four sections, or bays. There is also a single-bay chancel, a porch at the entrance, and a vestry. The church has a tall, three-stage tower. This tower is supported by strong corner buttresses, which are like extra supports built into the walls.
See also
- List of ecclesiastical parishes in the Diocese of Bath and Wells
