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Church of St Peter & St Paul, Churchstanton facts for kids
| Church of St Peter & St Paul | |
|---|---|
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| General information | |
| Town or city | Churchstanton |
| Country | England |
| Coordinates | 50°55′27″N 3°08′48″W / 50.9242°N 3.1467°W |
| Completed | 14th century |
The Church of St Peter & St Paul is a very old and special church. It is located in Churchstanton, a village in Somerset, England. This church was built way back in the 14th century, which means it's hundreds of years old! Because of its age and importance, it has been given a special title: a Grade I listed building. This means it's one of the most important historical buildings in the country and is protected.
A Look Inside the Church
This historic church has several interesting parts. The main area where people sit is called the nave. The chancel is the part of the church near the altar. Interestingly, the chancel is built at a slight angle to the nave. The roof of the chancel is a special type called a "waggon roof," which looks like the inside of a covered wagon.
Old Features and Art
Inside the Church of St Peter & St Paul, you can find some very old and beautiful items. There is a font that dates back to the Norman or Romanesque period. This means it's from around the 11th or 12th century! The font has a square bowl made of Hamstone, which is a type of limestone. This bowl is supported by columns made of Purbeck Marble, another beautiful stone.
You can also see a Jacobean pulpit. A pulpit is a raised platform where a speaker stands during a service. The Jacobean style was popular in the early 17th century.
Changes Over Time
Like many old buildings, the church has had some updates over the years. In 1719, some restoration work was done to keep it in good condition. Later, in 1830, a west gallery was added. A gallery is like a balcony inside the church. More recently, in 1910, a rood screen was put in. A rood screen is a decorative screen that separates the nave from the chancel.
The Church Community
The Church of St Peter & St Paul is part of a group of churches called the Blackdown benefice. A benefice is a group of churches that share a priest or minister. This benefice is part of the Diocese of Bath and Wells, which is a larger area managed by a bishop in the Church of England.