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St Andrew's Church, Cheddar facts for kids

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Church of St Andrew
Cheddarchurch.jpg
General information
Town or city Cheddar
Country England
Coordinates 51°16′25″N 2°46′34″W / 51.2737°N 2.7761°W / 51.2737; -2.7761
Completed 14th century

The Church of St Andrew is a very old and important building. It is located in Cheddar, Somerset, England. This church was built a long time ago, in the 14th century. It is so special that it has been named a Grade I listed building. This means it is one of the most important historic buildings in England.

About St Andrew's Church

This church has a rich history. In 1873, the church was carefully restored. A famous architect named William Butterfield led this work. The restoration helped to keep the church strong and beautiful for many years.

A Look Inside

Inside the Church of St Andrew, you can find some amazing things. There is beautiful stained glass from the 15th century. These colorful windows tell stories through their pictures. You can also see an altar table that dates back to 1631. In the main part of the church, called the chancel, there is a special chest tomb. People believe this tomb belongs to Sir Thomas Cheddar. It is dated to the year 1442.

The Tall Tower and Its Bells

The church has a very tall tower. It stands about 100 feet (30 meters) high! This tower was built around 1423. Inside the tower are eight change-ringing bells. These bells are rung in a special pattern. The largest bell, called the tenor, was made in 1759. It was cast by Thomas Bilbie of the Bilbie family, who were famous bell makers. The oldest bell in the tower is even older, dating from around 1580.

The Church Today

St Andrew's is the local Church of England parish church for Cheddar. A parish church serves the people living in a specific area. The Rector, who is the main priest, is The Reverend Stuart Burns. He started his role in February 2016. The church continues to be an active place of worship and a key part of the community.

See also

  • List of Grade I listed buildings in Sedgemoor
  • List of towers in Somerset
  • List of ecclesiastical parishes in the Diocese of Bath and Wells
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