St Andrew's Church, Old Cleeve facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Church of St Andrew |
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| General information | |
| Town or city | Old Cleeve |
| Country | England |
| Coordinates | 51°10′06″N 3°22′31″W / 51.1683°N 3.3753°W |
| Completed | 12th century |
The Church of St Andrew is a very old church located in Old Cleeve, Somerset, England. It was built way back in the 12th century, which means it's over 800 years old! Because it's so important historically, English Heritage has given it a special status as a Grade I listed building. This means it's one of the most important historic buildings in England and is protected.
History of St Andrew's Church
Early Beginnings
The Church of St Andrew has a long and interesting past. In the 12th century, a person named Robert FitzGerold gave the church to Bec Abbey. This was a famous monastery in Normandy, France, where Benedictine monks lived and prayed.
Later in the same century, another person, William de Roumare, gave the church to Wells Cathedral. Eventually, the church became part of Cleeve Abbey. This was another important monastery nearby.
Changes Over Time
The church stayed with Cleeve Abbey until a big event called the dissolution of the monasteries. This happened when King Henry VIII closed down many monasteries in England. After this, the church became a regular parish church.
The church building itself has also changed over the centuries. In 1425, a large part of the church was rebuilt. Then, around 1533, the tall western tower was added. This tower is a key feature of the church today.
Unique Features
One special part of the church is its porch floor. In the 17th century, the floor was decorated with smooth, white alabaster stones. These stones came from the beach below the village. They were carefully placed to create a beautiful heart shape.
The Church of St Andrew is still an active church today. It serves the local community as part of the benefice of Old Cleeve, Leighland, and Treborough. This area is within the Exmoor deanery of the Diocese of Bath and Wells.
See also
- Grade I listed buildings in West Somerset
- List of Somerset towers
- List of ecclesiastical parishes in the Diocese of Bath and Wells
