Church of St Vigor, Stratton-on-the-Fosse facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Church of St Vigor |
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| General information | |
| Town or city | Stratton-on-the-Fosse |
| Country | England |
| Coordinates | 51°15′19″N 2°29′23″W / 51.2552°N 2.4896°W |
| Completed | 12th century |
The Anglican Church of St Vigor in Stratton-on-the-Fosse, Somerset, England, is a very old church that dates back to the 12th century. It's so important that it has been given a special status as a Grade I listed building, which means it's protected because of its historical and architectural value. This church is named after Saint Vigor, a French bishop and Christian missionary. It's quite unique because it's one of only two churches in England dedicated to him!
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The Church of St Vigor
The Church of St Vigor is a historic building in the village of Stratton-on-the-Fosse. It has stood for many centuries, seeing lots of changes in England. Its long history makes it a fascinating place to learn about the past.
A Look Back in Time
The church's story began after the Norman conquest of England in 1066. A powerful Norman leader, Geoffrey de Montbray, became the lord of the area. He decided to build a church here.
Norman Beginnings
The first church was built in the Norman style during the 12th century. From this very old church, you can still see some original parts today. These include the main doorway on the south side, the arch that leads into the chancel (the area around the altar), and the font used for baptisms. These features give us a glimpse into what the church looked like nearly 900 years ago!
Later Changes
Over the centuries, the church was changed and added to. The pulpit, where sermons are given, was built in the 14th century. The chancel, which is the part of the church where the clergy sit, also dates from this period.
In 1782, a new part called the Long chapel was added. It was named after the Long family, who were important supporters of the church.
Special Features
The church has beautiful stained glass windows. Some of these windows contain small pieces of glass that are very old, dating back to medieval times. These ancient fragments were put into newer windows after some damage, possibly during the English Civil War in the 1600s.
The churchyard, which is the graveyard around the church, also holds a special place. It contains a war grave for a soldier from the Somerset Light Infantry who died during World War II. This reminds us of the sacrifices made in wartime.
St Vigor: The Saint
The church is dedicated to Saint Vigor, who was a French bishop. He was an important Christian missionary who lived in the 6th century. After the Norman Conquest, the stories and devotion to Saint Vigor spread from France to England. This is why we have churches like this one named after him.
The Church Today
Today, St Vigor's Church works together with St John's Church in the nearby village of Chilcompton. They form a joint "benefice," which means they share a priest and work together as one parish group. Both churches are part of the larger Bath area within the Church of England.
