Church of St Peter & St Paul, North Curry facts for kids

Church of St Peter & St Paul
General information
Town or city	North Curry
Country	England
Coordinates	51°01′32″N 2°58′19″W / 51.0255°N 2.9719°W / 51.0255; -2.9719
Completed	c1300

The Church of St Peter & St Paul is a very old and special church located in North Curry, Somerset, England. People often call it ‘The Cathedral of the Moors’ because it's so grand. This church has been around since the 14th century, which is over 700 years ago! It's also a Grade I listed building, meaning it's one of the most important historic buildings in the country.

History of the Church

Building the Church: A Long Journey

The Church of St Peter & St Paul has a long and interesting history. It was first built in a style called Norman. This means it was constructed a very long time ago, during the Norman period in England.

The main parts of the church, like the lower sections of its tower, the transepts (the parts that stick out like arms), and the nave (the main seating area), were built around the year 1300.

Early Construction and Changes

From the very first church built here by Bishop Reginald Fitz Jocelin, only one part remains today: the north doorway. This doorway is a cool piece of history!

In the 14th century, more work was done. The upper part of the tower was added, making it taller. Then, in 1502, the chancel (the area around the altar) was rebuilt. A porch was also added, and the walls of the clerestory (the upper part of the nave with windows) were made higher.

Later Renovations and Updates

Over the centuries, the church has had some updates. In 1832, Richard Carver did some smaller repairs, including work on the top edge of the tower called the parapet.

Later in the 19th century, more significant changes happened. The north aisle wall and door were taken down and rebuilt. A vestry (a room used by the clergy) was also added. These changes were overseen by an architect named John Oldrid Scott.

Ancient Roots and Records

The church stands on the site where an even older church once stood. Records from Wells Cathedral show that there was a church in North Curry as early as 1199. This means people have been worshipping here for over 800 years!

Visiting the Church

Great Views and Local History

The Church of St Peter & St Paul offers amazing views of the surrounding Somerset Levels and moors. There are even benches outside for people to sit and enjoy the scenery. It's a great spot for walkers and visitors to relax.

If you're interested in family history, the church has a map of the graves in its cemetery. This can help visitors who are tracing their family roots back to North Curry.

Part of a Larger Community

In August 2007, the North Curry Church became part of the Athelney benefice. A benefice is a group of churches that share a vicar, who is like the main priest. The vicar for the Athelney benefice looks after the churches in Burrowbridge, Lyng, North Curry, and Stoke St Gregory.

Gallery

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  Main aisle of North Curry church

See also

• List of Grade I listed buildings in Taunton Deane
• List of towers in Somerset
• List of ecclesiastical parishes in the Diocese of Bath and Wells