Church of St Stephen, Winsham facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Church of St Stephen |
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| Location | Winsham, Somerset, England |
| Built | 13th century |
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Listed Building – Grade II*
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| Official name: Church of St Stephen | |
| Designated | 4 February 1958 |
| Reference no. | 1177765 |
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The Church of St Stephen is an old and beautiful church located in Winsham, a village in Somerset, England. It was built a very long time ago, in the 1200s! This church is so special that it's officially recognized as a Grade II* listed building, which means it's an important historical site that needs to be protected.
A Look Back in Time
The Church of St Stephen was first built in the 13th century, which is the 1200s. Some of its original narrow windows, called lancet windows, are still there today. The church was mostly rebuilt in the 15th century (the 1400s).
Later, in the 19th century (the 1800s), the church had a big makeover called a Victorian restoration. A new room, called a vestry, was added in the 1920s.
For a while, until July 2018, the church's roofs, especially the tower's roof, were in bad shape. Because of this, the church was put on the Heritage at Risk Register. This list helps keep track of important historical places that need repairs.
Good news! On July 29, 2018, the repairs to the tower and roof were finished. The Bishop of Bath and Wells, Peter Hancock, held a special service to celebrate the completion of the work.
This church is also famous for two very cool things. It has a copy of Foxe's Book of Martyrs on display, which is a very old and important book. Even more amazing, it has one of only two surviving pre-Reformation tympana (which are like decorated screens) of the Crucifixion in the whole world! The other one is in a church in Norfolk.
The church is still an active place of worship today. It is part of the Two Shires group of churches within the Diocese of Bath and Wells.
What the Church Looks Like
The Church of St Stephen is made of stone and has slate roofs. It has a main area called a nave and a chancel, which is the part of the church near the altar. These parts are supported by strong stone structures called buttresses.
The church has a tall, three-part tower in the middle. On the outside of the tower, you can see gargoyles, which are carved stone figures that often look like monsters. The tower also has a spiral staircase that goes up inside.
Inside the tower, there are eight bells! The oldest bell was made in 1583, which means it's over 440 years old.
When you go inside the church, you'll see a Jacobean pulpit, which is a raised stand where the priest gives sermons. There's also a beautiful wooden screen from the 15th century. The reredos, which is a decorated screen behind the altar, was added in 1873 by an artist named Harry Hems.
The font, where baptisms take place, is shaped like an octagon and is also from the 15th century. The painted tympanum boards, which show the crucifixion, are also from the 1400s.
Images for kids
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The Church of St Stephen in Winsham.
