Church of St Nicholas, Withycombe facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Church of St Nicholas |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| General information | |
| Town or city | Withycombe |
| Country | England |
| Coordinates | 51°09′51″N 3°24′36″W / 51.1642°N 3.4100°W |
| Completed | 13th century |
The Church of St Nicholas is an old and important church located in Withycombe, a village in Somerset, England. It was built a very long time ago, in the 13th century. This means it's over 700 years old! Because it's so special, English Heritage has given it a "Grade I" listing. This means it's one of the most important historic buildings in the country.
Contents
How the Church Changed Over Time
Early Beginnings and Changes
The church has grown and changed over many centuries. The oldest part is some stonework in the north wall. This stone dates back to the 12th century. It means parts of an even older building might have been used here!
Building the Tower and Windows
The church's tall tower was added in the 14th century. Later, in the 15th century, the main part of the church, called the nave, got new windows. This process is called 'refenestration'.
Modern Updates and Repairs
Over the years, the church needed repairs and updates. In the early 1800s, the tower was fixed. A special viewing area, called a gallery, was also moved. More big changes happened in the 1850s. This was part of a time called the Victorian restoration. During this time, oil lamps were put in for lighting. The church was also repaired and got a new roof between 1912 and 1913. Later, from 1934 to 1936, the vestry (a room for clergy) was made bigger. The gallery at the west end of the church was also taken out.
The Mysterious Hidden Figure
Inside one of the church walls, there is a hidden recess. In this secret spot, you can find a figure of an unknown man. He has long hair and is wearing a hat. This is quite special because it's one of the earliest church monuments to show someone wearing a hat! The figure is also holding a heart-shaped case. This is a symbol to show that the person died somewhere else. Only their heart was brought back to the church for burial.
See also
- Grade I listed buildings in West Somerset
- List of Somerset towers
- List of ecclesiastical parishes in the Diocese of Bath and Wells
