Church of St Peter and St Paul, Weston in Gordano facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Church of SS Peter & Paul |
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| General information | |
| Town or city | Weston in Gordano |
| Country | England |
| Coordinates | 51°27′51″N 2°48′07″W / 51.4642°N 2.8020°W |
| Completed | 15th century |
The Church of SS Peter & Paul in Weston in Gordano, Somerset, England, is a very old and important building. It's officially recognized as a Grade I listed building, which means it's considered a building of exceptional historical interest. This beautiful church has stood for centuries, telling stories of the past through its stone walls and ancient features.
Contents
Discovering the Church's History
This church has a long and interesting past. Parts of it, like the tall tower and the entrance porch, were built around the year 1300. The rest of the church building, including the main sections, was completed in the 15th century.
Who Helped Build the Church?
Much of the work in the 15th century was paid for by a generous person named Sir Richard Percivale. He passed away in 1483, and his tomb, where he was laid to rest, can still be found inside the church in the north part of the nave.
Exploring the Church's Design
The Church of SS Peter & Paul has a traditional layout. It includes a four-bay nave, which is the main part of the church where people sit. It also has a chancel, which is the area near the altar, and a south chapel.
The Tower's Structure
The church's tower is quite impressive. It has four different levels, or "stages," and is located at the southern end of the building. Towers like this were often used to hold bells and could be seen from far away.
Inside the Church: Ancient Treasures
Step inside the Church of SS Peter & Paul, and you'll find some truly ancient items. These pieces offer a glimpse into the church's long history and the people who worshipped here.
What is a Norman Font?
One of the oldest items is the original Norman font. A font is a basin used for baptisms, and "Norman" means it was made during the Norman period, which was a very long time ago, after 1066.
Pulpits Old and New
You'll also see a stone pulpit from the 13th century. A pulpit is a raised platform where a priest gives sermons. Interestingly, there's also another pulpit on the north side of the church that dates from the Jacobean period, which was in the 17th century.
Mysterious Misericords
Look closely at the choir stalls, and you might spot the misericords. These are small, carved wooden ledges on the underside of folding seats. They were designed to give a little support to monks or clergy who had to stand for long periods during services. These misericords are thought to be from the 14th century, though some people believe they might be even older, possibly from the 12th century, and moved here from a nearby priory.
See also
- Grade I listed buildings in North Somerset
- List of Somerset towers
- List of ecclesiastical parishes in the Diocese of Bath and Wells
