Church of St Peter & St Paul, Churchstanton facts for kids

Church of St Peter & St Paul
General information
Town or city	Churchstanton
Country	England
Coordinates	50°55′27″N 3°08′48″W / 50.9242°N 3.1467°W / 50.9242; -3.1467
Completed	14th century

The Church of St Peter & St Paul is an old church in Churchstanton, Somerset, England. It was built a very long time ago, in the 14th century. This means it is over 600 years old! Because it is so old and important, it has been given a special status called a Grade I listed building. This helps protect it so it can be enjoyed for many more years.

About the Church of St Peter & St Paul

This church is a special place for the local community. It has seen many changes over hundreds of years. People have worked hard to keep it in good condition.

What's Inside?

Over the centuries, the church has had different parts added or fixed. In 1719, some restoration work was done. This means parts of the church were repaired or updated. Later, in 1830, a west gallery was built. This is like a balcony inside the church.

Old Features and New Additions

In 1910, a rood screen was added. A rood screen is a special wooden or stone screen that separates the main part of the church from the altar area. It often has beautiful carvings.

The Church's Design

The church has a main area called the nave. This is where the people sit during services. It has four sections, called bays. There is also a chancel, which is the part of the church near the altar. The chancel is built at a slight angle to the nave. Its roof is shaped like a barrel, which is called a waggon roof.

Special Stones and Art

Inside the church, you can find some very old and interesting items. There is a font that is from the Norman or Romanesque period. This means it was made around 900 years ago! A font is a large basin used for baptisms. This font has a square bowl made from Hamstone, which is a type of stone. It sits on columns made of Purbeck Marble, another special stone.

You can also see a pulpit from the Jacobean period. This means it was made in the early 1600s. A pulpit is a raised platform where the preacher stands to give sermons.

The Church Community

The Church of St Peter & St Paul is part of a larger group of churches called the Blackdown benefice. This group of churches works together. It is also part of the Diocese of Bath and Wells, which is a bigger area managed by the Church of England.