Church of St Peter and St Paul, Charlton Adam facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Church of St Peter and St Paul
Location	Charlton Adam, Charlton Mackrell, Somerset, England
Built	15th century
Listed Building – Grade I
Designated	17 April 1959
Reference no.	262830
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The Church of St Peter and St Paul is an old and interesting church in Charlton Adam, a small village in Somerset, England. Most of this beautiful building was built in the 15th century, which means it's over 500 years old! It's so important that it's been given a special "Grade I listed building" status. This means it's a very important historic site.

Discovering the Church's Past

The church in Charlton Adam has a long history. Between the years 1142 and 1166, a place called Bruton Abbey looked after the church. Originally, the church was only named after St Peter the Apostle. Later, in the 16th or 17th century, it was also dedicated to St Paul, giving it the double name we know today.

Keeping the Church Beautiful

In 1860, the church had some important repair work done, called "restoration." During this time, a new curved ceiling, known as a barrel roof, was put into the main part of the church, called the nave. Also, any old balconies that were inside were removed.

The Church Bells

The church tower holds a set of five bells that can be rung together to make music. This is called a "peal" of bells.

• The oldest bell was made around 1490 by a company in Bristol.
• Two other bells were made in 1714 and 1738 by the Bilbie family, who were famous bell makers.
• The newest bell was made in 1832 by T. Mears of London.

These bells hang on a special wooden frame that was built in the 16th century. Over time, this frame became rotten, and the bells couldn't be rung after 1916. But don't worry! In 2005, the bell frame was fixed, so the bells can now ring out again.

Inside the Church

Ancient Features

The church has some very old parts inside. The font, which is a basin used for baptisms, dates all the way back to the 12th century! The pulpit, where sermons are given, is from the Jacobean period. This means it was made during the time of King James I, in the early 1600s.

Special Glass Screen

You can also see a beautiful engraved glass screen on the balcony of the belfry (where the bells are). This screen is decorated with symbols of St Peter and St Paul. It also features pictures of British plants, making it a unique piece of art.

Church Community

The Church of St Peter and St Paul is part of a group of churches called a benefice. This group includes churches in Somerton, Compton Dundon, and The Charltons. They all work together within the larger church area known as the deanery of Ivelchester.

See also

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