St James' Church, East Cranmore facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St James' Church |
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| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Church of England |
| Ecclesiastical or organizational status | Closed |
| Year consecrated | 1846 |
| Location | |
| Location | East Cranmore, Somerset, England |
| Architecture | |
| Architect(s) | Thomas Henry Wyatt |
| Architectural type | Church |
St James' Church is an old church building in a place called East Cranmore, in Somerset, England. It was designed by a famous architect named Thomas Henry Wyatt. This church was built in 1846 to replace an even older church that was there before. It stopped being used as a church in 1958. Today, it's not a church anymore; it's a private home! It's also a special building, protected as a Grade II listed building because of its history and design.
Contents
History of St James' Church
St James' Church was built to replace a much older church. The first church was very old, possibly from Saxon times, and had been rebuilt in the early 1700s.
Building the New Church
By the 1840s, the old church was falling apart. So, in April 1845, it was taken down. A new, bigger church was planned by the architect Thomas Henry Wyatt from London. The new St James' Church was officially opened and blessed by the Bishop of Bath and Wells, Richard Bagot, on August 18, 1846.
Later Years and Closure
During World War II, the church's tall spire was damaged by bombs. The church had to close for a short time in 1946 after strong winds caused more damage. After repairs, it was able to open again on February 9, 1947.
However, the church closed for good in 1958. In 1971, it was officially declared "redundant," which means it was no longer needed as a church. It was then sold to a private owner. Plans were approved in 1975 and again in 1988 to change the old church building into a home.
Architecture and Design
St James' Church was built using a special type of stone called Doulting freestone. It has roofs made of slate. The church was designed in a style known as "Early Decorated," which is a type of old English church architecture.
Parts of the Church
The church building has several main parts:
- A five-bay nave: This is the main, long part of the church where people would sit.
- A chancel: This is the area near the altar, usually at the east end of the church.
- A south transept: This is like an "arm" of the church, giving it a cross shape.
- A north vestry: This is a room often used by the clergy (church leaders) to prepare for services.
- A south tower: This is a tall tower with a porch underneath it.
- A broach spire: This is a tall, pointed roof on top of the tower.
The church was designed to hold about 130 people. Many of its original parts inside were carved from oak wood. This included the special "open hammer-beam roof," which is a type of wooden ceiling, and the wooden seats, communion table, reading desk, and pulpit.
