St Mark's Church, Mark facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Church of St Mark |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| General information | |
| Town or city | Mark, Somerset |
| Country | England |
| Coordinates | 51°13′34″N 2°53′18″W / 51.2262°N 2.8883°W |
| Completed | 13th century |
The Church of St Mark is a very old and special building in the village of Mark, in Somerset, England. It's also known as Holy Cross Church. This church was first built in the 13th century, which means it's hundreds of years old! Most of what you see today was built in the 14th and 15th centuries. It was also fixed up and improved in 1864. Because it's so old and important, it's been given a special status as a Grade I listed building. This means it's one of the most important historic buildings in England.
Contents
A Church with a Long History
There might have been a small chapel in Mark even before the current church. The church we see today was officially opened in April 1268. It was first called The Church of the Holy Cross. Later, in 1853, its name changed to St Mark. But then, in 1939, it went back to being called Holy Cross again. Over many years, the church was made bigger and more parts were added.
Inside the Church
When you step inside, you'll see some amazing features.
The main part of the church where people sit is called the nave. Look up, and you'll see a special ceiling called a Barrel roof. This roof is shaped like the inside of a barrel. It's decorated with carvings of faces, which are thought to be religious figures.
The Choir and Its Amazing Sculpture
Near the front of the church, where the choir sings, is a section called the Choir. Here, you can find a beautiful wooden sculpture. It shows the Four Evangelists, who are important figures in Christianity. A Belgian artist named André made this sculpture in 1524. It was originally in a big church in Bruges, Belgium, but it was moved to the Church of St Mark in 1794.
The Church Tower and Its Bells
The tall tower of the church was built around 1407. Inside the tower, there are eight bells that can be rung together to make music. There's also a clock on the tower. This clock was put there in 1887 to celebrate a special event for Queen Victoria, who was the Queen at that time.
What Else Can You See?
Outside the church, in the churchyard, you can find an old market cross. This cross dates back to the 15th century. It reminds us that the churchyard was once a busy place where people gathered for markets.
The Church of St Mark is part of a larger group of churches in the area. It works together with the church in Allerton.
See also
- Grade I listed buildings in Sedgemoor
- List of Somerset towers
- List of ecclesiastical parishes in the Diocese of Bath and Wells
