Church of St Thomas, Cricket St Thomas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Church of St Thomas |
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| Location | Cricket St Thomas, Somerset, England |
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Listed Building – Grade II*
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| Official name: Church of St Thomas | |
| Designated | 4 February 1958 |
| Reference no. | 1056183 |
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The Church of St Thomas is an old church located in Cricket St Thomas, a village in Somerset, England. It was first built in the 1300s and then rebuilt in 1868. This church is considered a very important historical building, known as a Grade II* listed building. This means it has special protection to keep it safe for the future.
Contents
A Look at the Church's History
How Old Is the Church?
The Church of St Thomas was originally built in the 14th century, which means the 1300s. However, there was an even older church on this exact spot, dating back to the 12th century (the 1100s).
When Was It Rebuilt?
The church you see today was largely rebuilt in 1868. This big project was done for Viscount Bridport, who was also known as Lord Bridport.
Who Looks After the Church?
The church in Cricket St Thomas is part of the Diocese of Bath and Wells. This is a large area managed by the Church of England.
Exploring the Church's Design
What Is the Church Made Of?
The Church of St Thomas is built from flint, which is a type of stone. It also has special hamstone decorations and slate roofs.
Inside the Church
The inside of the church was designed in the 19th century, around the time it was rebuilt. It has a main area called the nave and a smaller section called the chancel. There's also a south transept, which is like a wing of the church. All these parts are supported by strong buttresses, which are stone supports on the outside walls.
The Small Tower
Above the front wall of the nave, there's a small tower. This tower sits on the gable, which is the triangular part of the wall under the roof.
Special Memorials and Items
- Family Monuments: Inside the church, you'll find monuments dedicated to important families. These include the Hood family, who were also known as the Viscounts Bridport. They are connected to the Viscounts Nelson, a title gained through the famous Horatio Nelson, 1st Viscount Nelson.
- Alexander Hood Memorial: On the south wall of the chancel, there's a memorial for Alexander Hood, 1st Viscount Bridport. He passed away in 1814. This beautiful monument was designed by Sir John Soane. It has a black marble base with a white marble monument on top, framed by special columns.
- Coronation Altar Cloth: On the north wall of the nave, there's a small piece of the altar cloth. This cloth was used during the Coronation Service of Queen Elizabeth II.
Monuments in the Churchyard
- St Michael Statue: In the churchyard, there's a white marble monument from the early 1900s. It shows a figure of St Michael. This statue remembers Alexander Nelson Hood, 4th Duke of Bronté, who was also the 2nd Viscount Bridport and passed away in 1904. A funny story from the church says that for many years, this statue was laid flat. Why? Because the white figure at night scared too many local people!
- Old Tombs: You can also find two old stone tombs from the 18th century in the churchyard. One of these remembers John Northcote, who passed away in 1738.
See also
- List of ecclesiastical parishes in the Diocese of Bath and Wells
