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St Gregory's Church, Weare facts for kids

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Church of St Gregory
Gray stone building with square tower
General information
Town or city Weare
Country England
Coordinates 51°16′13″N 2°50′29″W / 51.2702°N 2.8413°W / 51.2702; -2.8413
Completed 11th century

The Church of St Gregory is a very old and special church located in Weare, a village in Somerset, England. It was first built a long, long time ago in the 11th century. That means it's over 900 years old! Even though it started so early, most of the church you see today was built in the 15th century. This church is so important that it has been named a Grade I listed building. This means it's one of the most historically significant buildings in all of England.

Exploring St Gregory's Church

The Church Building

The tall tower of the church was built around the year 1407. It has four main sections, one on top of the other. The top of the tower is decorated with pointy parts called pinnacles. It also has a special carved stone wall around the very top.

Outside in the churchyard, there is an old stone cross from the 15th century. There is also a church room that was added in the 1800s.

A Bit of History

In the year 1257, the Church of St Gregory was given to a big abbey in Bristol called St Augustine's Abbey. An abbey is like a monastery where monks live and worship.

Later, when many monasteries were closed down in England, the church was given to a new group. This group was the dean and chapter of Bristol Cathedral, which is a very important church in Bristol. They have looked after St Gregory's Church ever since.

Inside the Church

When you go inside, you'll find some very old parts. The font, which is used for baptisms, is even older than the church building itself! It was made around the year 1150. The pulpit, where the priest gives sermons, is from the Jacobean period. This means it was made during the time of King James I, which was in the early 1600s.

The church is part of a group of churches called the Crook Peak benefice. This group is within the Axbridge area, which is part of the larger Diocese of Bath and Wells.

Famous Connections

A well-known English comedian named Frankie Howerd is buried in the churchyard of St Gregory's Church. He was a very popular entertainer.

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