Church of St Peter and St Paul, Odcombe facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Church of St Peter and St Paul |
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| Location | Odcombe, Somerset, England |
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Listed Building – Grade II*
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| Official name: Church of St Peter and St Paul | |
| Designated | 19 April 1961 |
| Reference no. | 1241492 |
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The Church of St Peter and St Paul is a beautiful old church located in the village of Odcombe, Somerset, England. This special building was first built way back in the 1200s! It's so important that it's officially recognized as a Grade II* listed building, which means it has a lot of historical and architectural value. It's a great example of old English churches.
Contents
History of the Church
This church has a long and interesting past. It was originally built in the 13th century, which means it's over 700 years old! Over time, it has been updated and repaired.
Key Dates in the Church's History
- 13th Century: The church was first built.
- 15th Century: Some parts of the church were repaired and updated.
- 1874: More big changes happened. New sections called transepts were added. The church also went through a major "restoration," which means it was carefully repaired and brought back to good condition.
Today, the church is part of the Ham Hill benefice, which is a group of churches working together. It belongs to the Diocese of Bath and Wells, a larger church area.
Church Architecture and Design
The Church of St Peter and St Paul is made from a special local stone called Ham stone. Its roofs are covered with clay tiles.
Inside the Church
The church has a main open area called the nave, which has three sections. It also has a smaller area near the altar called the chancel, with two sections. On the sides, there are transepts (like arms sticking out). You'll also find a small room called a vestry and a porch at the entrance.
The Church Tower
The church has a tall tower in the middle. This tower is supported by strong corner buttresses, which are like thick supports on the outside walls. At the top of these buttresses are decorative pointed tops called pinnacles. The tower is also decorated with interesting stone carvings called gargoyles. Inside the tower, there are six bells that ring out for services and special occasions.
Special Features Inside
Most of the things you see inside the church today, like the benches and other fittings, are from the 1800s. However, the Baptismal font (a basin used for baptisms) is much older. It's made from a special stone called Purbeck stone.
You can also find a memorial inside the church for a famous travel writer named Thomas Coryate. He lived in the village around the year 1600. There's even a replica of a pair of his shoes!
Outside, on the front lawn, there's a special headstone made of yellow Jaisalmer stone. It marks a memorial service for the poet Dom Moraes, who lived from 1938 to 2004.
See also
- List of ecclesiastical parishes in the Diocese of Bath and Wells
