Church of the Holy Ghost, Crowcombe facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Church of the Holy Ghost |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| 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 is a very old church in Crowcombe, Somerset, England. Its tall tower was built in the 1300s, and the rest of the church was finished in the 1400s. Because it's so old and important, Historic England has given it a special Grade I listed building status. This means it's a building of exceptional interest.
Contents
Discovering the Church's History
This church wasn't the first one on this spot. There might have been an even older church here, possibly from the Saxon times. The north chapel, a smaller room inside the church, is called the Carew Chapel. It was used by the important families who lived at Crowcombe Court nearby.
Lightning Strikes and Ancient Carvings
In 1724, something exciting happened: lightning hit the church's spire! The very top part of the spire had to be taken down. You can still see this removed section planted in the churchyard today. Some of the stone from the damaged spire was even used to make the church's floor.
Inside the church, you can find amazing carved wooden bench-ends from 1534. These carvings show interesting old stories and figures. For example, you might spot the Green Man, a mythical figure often seen in old churches. There's also a carving that tells the legend of the people of Crowcombe fighting a two-headed dragon!
Exploring the Churchyard
Outside the church, in the churchyard, stands a medieval cross. This cross is very old, from the Middle Ages. Its shaft, the tall main part, is octagonal (eight-sided) and about 2.8 meters (9 feet) tall. It stands on a base with three steps. This ancient cross is so important that it has been protected as an ancient monument.
The Church House and Pound
Right across from the church, you'll find the Church House and Pound. This building was constructed around 1515. It was used for village meetings and other church-related events. Like the church, it's also a special historic building, listed as Grade II*. It was carefully repaired and updated in 2007.
A Famous Visitor's Connection
A famous pilot from the Battle of Britain, Peter Townsend, lived in Crowcombe when he was a teenager. He later became very well-known. In his memories, he wrote about his father's death when Peter was 19. He described how the people of Crowcombe and the church community supported his family during this sad time.
Townsend shared how his father's coffin was carried through the village to the church. It was laid before the altar as evening came. He remembered the peaceful feeling in the old church with its carved wooden benches. He was glad his father, and later his mother, were buried in Crowcombe. He felt a deep connection to the village and its church.
See also
- Grade I listed buildings in West Somerset
- List of Somerset towers
- List of ecclesiastical parishes in the Diocese of Bath and Wells
