St Gregory's Church, Weare facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Church of St Gregory |
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| General information | |
| Town or city | Weare |
| Country | England |
| Coordinates | 51°16′13″N 2°50′29″W / 51.2702°N 2.8413°W |
| Completed | 11th century |
The Church of St Gregory is a very old church located in the village of Weare, in Somerset, England. While some parts of the church date back to the 11th century, most of what you see today was built in the 15th century. This church is considered very important because it has been officially recognized as a Grade I listed building. This means it's a building of exceptional historical or architectural interest and is protected.
Contents
Exploring St Gregory's Church
What Makes the Church Special?
The Church of St Gregory has many interesting features that show its long history. From its tall tower to its ancient font, each part tells a story about the past.
The Church Tower
The church's impressive tower was built around the year 1407. It stands tall with four main sections, or "stages." At the very top, you can see decorative pointed shapes called pinnacles. There's also a "pierced parapet," which is a low wall with openings, adding to its unique look.
Inside the Church
When you step inside, you'll find a font that is even older than most of the church building itself. It dates back to about 1150, which is almost 900 years ago! The pulpit, where sermons are given, is from the Jacobean period. This means it was made during the time of King James I, known for its specific style of art and architecture.
The Churchyard's History
Outside the church, in the churchyard, there's a stone cross from the 15th century. This cross has stood there for hundreds of years. You can also find a church room built in the 19th century, which is used for church activities.
Who Owned the Church?
A Look at Its Past Owners
In 1257, the Church of St Gregory was given to a large religious house called St Augustine's Abbey in Bristol. This abbey was a very important place for monks. Later, in the 1500s, there was a big change in England called the Dissolution of the Monasteries. During this time, many abbeys and monasteries were closed down. After this, the Church of St Gregory was given to the new church leaders of Bristol Cathedral, who still oversee it today.
Local Church Connections
The Church of St Gregory is part of a group of churches known as the Crook Peak benefice. This group works together within the Axbridge deanery, which is a larger area managed by the church.
Famous People Connected to the Church
A Comedian's Resting Place
The churchyard of St Gregory's is also the final resting place of a well-known English comedian named Frankie Howerd. He was famous for making people laugh with his unique style of comedy.
See also
- Grade I listed buildings in Sedgemoor
- List of Somerset towers
- List of ecclesiastical parishes in the Diocese of Bath and Wells
