Church of St Peter, Williton facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Church of St Peter
Location	Williton, Somerset, England
Listed Building – Grade II*
Designated	22 May 1969
Reference no.	1174922
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The Church of St Peter in Williton, Somerset, England, is a very old and important building. It's listed as a Grade II* historic building, which means it's a special place with a lot of history. This church has been around for centuries, seeing many changes and playing a big part in the local community.

The earliest church here might have been a private chapel for a Saxon royal family. In the 12th century, Reginald Fitzurse was the local lord. He was one of four knights involved in the death of Thomas Becket. After this event, the church was passed to his brother and the Knights Templar. The church was mostly rebuilt in the 16th century. It was then updated again in the 1850s during a big Victorian restoration.

For many years, St Peter's was a "chapel of ease" for Church of St Decuman, Watchet. This means it was a smaller church that helped people attend services more easily. In 1889, it became its own separate parish. Today, it's part of the same group of churches as Watchet.

History of St Peter's Church

The exact start date of St Peter's Church is not known. It might have begun as a private chapel for a Saxon royal family. The church's importance changed a lot in 1170. This was when the local lord, Sir Reginald Fitzurse, was involved in the death of St Thomas a Becket.

After this event, part of the land went to Reginald's brother, Robert. The other part went to the Knights Templar, a famous group of medieval knights. Historians say Robert rebuilt the chapel, suggesting the old Saxon one was in ruins. Records from Wells Cathedral show that Robert gave property and rights to the Church of St Decuman, Watchet. This made St Peter's a "daughter church" of Watchet. It was known as a chapel of ease, which helped people in Williton attend church.

The Church Building Today

The nave of St Peter's Church.

Some parts of the church you see today are from the 16th century. More work was done in the 17th century when it was called All Saints. In 1810, a new section was added to the south side. Old windows from the Elizabethan era were moved and reused in this new wall.

Over time, the church needed repairs. From 1856 to 1859, it had a major update called a Victorian restoration. This work was led by architect Charles Edmund Giles. The priest, Samuel Heathcote, was in charge of the church from 1854 to 1906. He oversaw the rebuilding. In 1889, Williton officially became a separate parish from Watchet.

The church once had a small spire. It was damaged in a storm. After that, the bells were kept in a wooden bellcote. A new stone bellcote was built in 1896. The church is built from red sandstone with Bath stone details. It has a main area called a nave with aisles on both sides. It also has a chancel with a curved, barrel-shaped roof.

Inside the Church

Inside the church, you can find a wooden board. It lists the names of 23 people from the parish who died in World War I. It also lists 13 people who died in World War II.

There is a piscina from the 15th century. This is a special basin used for washing sacred vessels. The font, where baptisms take place, is made of alabaster and dates from 1666. You can also see a poor box from 1680, which was used for collecting donations.

Churchyard Features

Base of the churchyard cross.

In the churchyard, there is a red sandstone base of a cross. This part of the cross is very old, dating back to the late 13th century. It is also a Grade II* listed building and an ancient monument.

See also

• List of ecclesiastical parishes in the Diocese of Bath and Wells