Church of the Holy Ghost, Crowcombe facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Church of the Holy Ghost |
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| General information | |
| Town or city | Crowcombe |
| Country | England |
| Coordinates | 51°07′24″N 3°13′46″W / 51.1233°N 3.2294°W |
| Completed | 15th century |
The Church of the Holy Ghost in Crowcombe, Somerset, England, is a very old and important building. Its tall tower was built in the 1300s. The rest of the church was finished in the 1400s. This church is so special that it's been named a Grade I listed building. This means it's one of the most important historic buildings in England!
Contents
A Look Inside the Church
There was likely an even older church on this spot. Some people think it might have been built during the Saxon era, which was a very long time ago.
The Carew Chapel
Inside the church, there is a special part called the Carew Chapel. This chapel was used by the lords of the manor. These were important people who lived in the nearby Crowcombe Court.
Lightning Strikes and Old Carvings
In 1724, the church's spire was hit by lightning. The very top part of the spire had to be removed. You can still see this piece planted in the churchyard today! Some of the stone from the damaged spire was even used to make the floor inside the church.
Look closely at the carved bench-ends inside. These carvings are from 1534. They show interesting old stories and figures. You might see the Green Man, a symbol of nature. There are also carvings that tell the legend of the men of Crowcombe fighting a two-headed dragon!
The Churchyard and Nearby Buildings
Outside the church, in the churchyard, you will find a medieval cross. This cross is very old, from the Middle Ages. Its tall, eight-sided shaft is about 2.8 meters high. It stands on a base with three steps. This cross is so important that it has been protected as an ancient monument.
The church is part of a group of churches called the Quantock Towers benefice. This group helps manage the churches in the area.
The Church House and Pound
Right across from the church is a building called the Church House and Pound. It was built around 1515. This building was used for different village events and meetings. It is also a very important historic building. It was refurbished, or fixed up, in 2007.
A Famous Visitor's Connection
A famous pilot named Peter Townsend lived in Crowcombe when he was a teenager. He was a hero in the Battle of Britain. His family attended the Church of the Holy Ghost.
Townsend wrote about his father's death in Crowcombe. He remembered how the village and the church community supported his family. He felt a strong connection to the church and the village. He wrote about the peace he felt inside the old medieval church. He was glad his parents were laid to rest in Crowcombe.
See also
- Grade I listed buildings in West Somerset
- List of Somerset towers
- List of ecclesiastical parishes in the Diocese of Bath and Wells
