Holy Trinity Church, Godney facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Holy Trinity Church |
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| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Church of England |
| Ecclesiastical or organizational status | Closed |
| Year consecrated | 1841 |
| Location | |
| Location | Godney, Somerset, England |
| Architecture | |
| Architect(s) | George Phillips Manners |
| Architectural type | Church |
| Architectural style | Romanesque |
Holy Trinity Church is an old church building in Godney, a village in Somerset, England. It used to be a Church of England church. The church was designed by an architect named George Phillips Manners. It was built between 1839 and 1841. In 1999, it was no longer used as a church. Today, it's a popular place for weddings and other events, known as the Glastonbury Weddings and Events Venue. It's also a special historic building, protected as a Grade II listed building.
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History of Holy Trinity Church
There has been a church building in Godney called Holy Trinity since the 1100s. Back then, it was owned by Glastonbury Abbey.
After King Henry VIII closed down many monasteries in 1539, this church became part of Godney Manor and was sold. By 1675, the old church was no longer used. A new place for worship was built in 1737 by Peter Davis.
Why a New Church Was Needed
By 1838, about 270 people lived in Godney. The church building they had was old and falling apart. It was also too small, only fitting 80 people.
During winter floods, people in the village couldn't get to their main church, St Mary at Meare. So, a plan was made to build a bigger church in Godney that could hold 250 people.
Building the New Church
Money for the new church was collected from people who wanted to help. Grants were also given, including £60 from a church building group.
The church was rebuilt from 1839 to 1841. It was designed by George Phillips Manners from Bath. On July 22, 1841, the new church was officially opened by the Bishop of Bath and Wells, George Henry Law. In 1869, Godney became its own church area.
Church Improvements in the 1900s
By the early 1900s, the church needed repairs again. The floor, seats, and a balcony were in bad shape. The local vicar, Rev. J. M. Alcock, helped raise money.
An architect named Edmund Buckle drew up plans for the repairs. The work happened in 1903. It included building a new chancel, which is the part of the church near the altar. The old balcony was removed, and new wooden seats were put in. The floor was also redone. A new wooden pulpit was added to remember a past vicar, Rev. William J. Marshall.
The church reopened on December 12, 1903. A new organ was added in 1908. It cost £150 and was paid for by donations, including £60 from a rich helper named Andrew Carnegie.
In 1911, a wooden screen was put up at the back of the church to create a vestry, which is a room for clergy. This completed all the planned improvements from 1903.
Later Years and New Uses
Godney church was linked with St John's in Glastonbury in 1972. Later, in 1985, it became part of a group of five churches.
Some repairs were done in 1980, costing £2,700. This included fixing the plaster and the roof. Holy Trinity Church closed its doors as a church in 1998. On July 1, 1999, it was officially declared "redundant," meaning it was no longer needed for church services.
After closing, the church was used for storage. In 2016, permission was given to turn it into a place for weddings and events. This work included adding a kitchen and toilets. Now, it is known as the Glastonbury Wedding Venue.
Architecture of Holy Trinity
Holy Trinity Church is built from a type of stone called Blue Lias ashlar. It has slate roofs.
When it was first built, the church had a main area called a nave with three sections. It also had a vestry at the east end and a porch on the south side. There was a balcony at the west end of the nave and a small tower for bells on the west roof.
In 1903, the rounded chancel was added, replacing the old vestry. A new vestry was then made at the west end of the nave. When the church was rebuilt in 1839, some old stained glass from the late 1500s was put in. This glass came from a house that had been torn down in Lillington. The wall around the churchyard was also built in 1839 and is also a protected historic structure.
