Church of St Nicholas, Combe St Nicholas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Church of St Nicholas, Combe St Nicholas |
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| Location | Combe St Nicholas, Somerset, England |
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Listed Building – Grade I
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| Designated | 4 February 1958 |
| Reference no. | 430052 |
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The Church of St Nicholas in Combe St Nicholas, Somerset, England, is a very old and special building. It was first built a long, long time ago, during the Norman period. This means it's over 800 years old! Over the centuries, parts of it have been changed and added to. Today, it's recognized as a Grade I listed building, which means it's a really important historical site.
Contents
A Glimpse into History
There has been a church on this spot since the time of the Norman Conquest. This was in the year 1066, when William the Conqueror came to England. It's even possible there was a church here before that! The church was officially dedicated in 1170. This ceremony was led by the Bishop of Waterford and Bishop Jocelin of Wells.
Exploring the Church Inside
The main part of the church, called the nave, is made from a type of stone called Hamstone. It has five sections, or bays. Inside the nave, you'll find the font, which is a large basin used for baptisms. This font might even be older than the Norman church itself!
In the 15th century, more parts were added to the church. These are called aisles, which are passages on either side of the main nave. These aisles also have a piscina, which is a small basin used for washing sacred vessels. There's also another font in the aisles.
A beautiful rood screen was carved around 1470. This is a decorative screen that separates the nave from the chancel. The chancel is the area near the altar.
Cool Features of the Tower
Beneath the chancel, three hidden rooms called vaults were found in 1971. The church's tower is also very interesting. It has six bells that ring out over the village. There's also a clock in the tower that was added in 1845.
The top of the tower has battlements, which look like the tops of old castles. It also has pointed decorations on the corners called pinnacles. And look closely, because you might spot some gargoyles! These are carved stone figures, often shaped like monsters, that were originally used as water spouts.
More About the Church
The Church of St Nicholas is part of a larger group of churches. This group includes the Church of St Mary the Virgin in Chard, along with churches in Wambrook and Whitestaunton.
See also
- Grade I listed buildings in South Somerset
- List of Somerset towers
- List of ecclesiastical parishes in the Diocese of Bath and Wells
