St Andrew's Church, Taunton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Andrew's Church |
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St Andrew's Church
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| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Church of England |
| Ecclesiastical or organizational status | Active |
| Year consecrated | 1881 |
| Location | |
| Location | Taunton, Somerset, England |
| Architecture | |
| Architect(s) | J. Houghton Spencer |
| Architectural type | Church |
St Andrew's Church is a beautiful old church in Taunton, Somerset, England. It belongs to the Church of England. A talented architect named J. Houghton Spencer designed it. The church was built between 1880 and 1881. It is now a very special building, listed as a Grade II listed building since 2016. This means it's an important historical place.
Building a Community Church
Why St Andrew's Was Built
Back in 1878, the area of Rowbarton in Taunton was growing fast. More and more people were moving there. They needed a church for the community. So, plans began to build St Andrew's Church.
Getting the Money Together
A kind person, Rev. F. J. Smith, offered a large sum of money. He promised £3,000 if the community could raise another £2,000. People in the public donated money. By June 1879, they had raised £2,300. Rev. Smith's donation was a thank-you gift. It marked the end of the Russo-Turkish War of 1877–78.
Designing and Building the Church
The church's area was officially set up in 1878. Mr. J. Houghton Spencer from Taunton drew the church plans. His designs were chosen in 1879. In February 1880, Mr. Henry James Spiller, also from Taunton, was chosen to build the church. His offer was £2,332.
Laying the First Stone
The first stone of the church was laid on April 30, 1880. A young boy named Master E. J. Smith did the honors. He was Rev. Smith's grandson. Many people watched, including the Bishop of Bath and Wells. Church services were held in the parish schoolroom until the church was ready. St Andrew's Church was officially opened on July 14, 1881. The Bishop of Bath and Wells led the special ceremony.
Making the Church Bigger
The community kept growing, so the church soon needed more space. In May 1891, people decided to make St Andrew's bigger. They chose this instead of building a new church. Mr. E. W. Buckle from London drew the new plans. Mr. Henry Spiller, the original builder, was chosen again. His offer was £3,800 in April 1892.
The new parts included a south aisle, a western porch, a morning chapel, and a choir vestry. The church reopened on July 14, 1893. Bishop Bromley, who helped the Bishop of Bath and Wells, blessed the new sections.
Inside and Out: The Church's Design
Building Materials and Style
St Andrew's Church is built from local West Leigh stone. It has special Doulting stone details. The roofs are tiled. The church is built in the Early English Gothic style. This means it looks like churches from early English history.
The tower has an eight-sided spire on top. This spire is made of timber and covered with pale green Westmorland slates. A copper weather vane sits at the very top. The tower holds one bell. This bell was made by John Taylor & Co in Loughborough.
Original Layout and Later Additions
When first built, the church had a main area called a nave. It also had a clerestory, north and south aisles, a chancel, a vestry, and a south porch. The south aisle, western porch, morning chapel, and choir vestry were added later in 1892–93.
Interior Details
The inside walls are made of brick from Bridgwater. The strong bricks used in the archways came from Exeter. The floor in the chancel and passages has tiles from Mintons. The tiles behind the altar (reredos) were made by Craven Dunnill & Co. Ltd in Jackfield.
The windows in the chancel and clerestory were painted by Hardman & Co. in Birmingham. The pulpit and font are carved from Beer stone. The font was a gift from Mr. Spiller. Today, the church has a different font from 1912. It was made by Bridgeman and Son.
The church was first designed for 600 people on chairs. These were later replaced with open wooden benches. This reduced the seating to 500 people.
Special Gifts and Features
Many gifts were given to the church when it was built. Mr. John Marshall gave the east window. Mr. A Steevens gave the communion table. Mr. G. Steevens gave the lectern. Two Glastonbury chairs were given by Mr. G. W. Mitchell and Mr. E. Jeboult.
The church's organ was built by J. W. Walker & Sons Ltd in London. It was first played on October 7, 1883. An oak screen was added to the chancel arch in 1919. This screen remembers those who served in World War I.
The north aisle has a special "Railway Window." Clare Maryan Green designed it in 2002. It celebrates the church's connections to the railway.
A Protected Building
In 2016, St Andrew's Church became a listed building. Historic England said it was a "strong composition" with a "good quality interior." They liked its dramatic space and attention to detail. They also noted that the church has changed very little since its expansion in 1892–93. Many of its high-quality original features are still there.
