St Martin's Church, Fivehead facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Church of St Martin |
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| Location | Fivehead, Somerset, England |
| Built | 13th century (700+ years ago) |
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Listed Building – Grade I
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| Designated | 17 April 1959 |
| Reference no. | 431724 |
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The Church of St Martin is an old church in a village called Fivehead in Somerset, England. It was built a very long time ago, in the 13th century (that's over 700 years ago!). This church is so special that it's been given a top award: it's a Grade I listed building. This means it's a really important historical building that needs to be protected.
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About St Martin's Church
The Church of St Martin is a beautiful example of old English architecture. It's built from a special kind of stone called Hamstone. This stone gives the church a unique look.
What the Church Looks Like
The church has several main parts. It includes a nave, which is the main part where people sit. There's also a chancel, which is the area near the altar. It has a south aisle, which is like a side hallway, and a porch at the entrance.
The church also has a tall tower at the west end. This tower was built around the year 1505. It has three levels and is held up by strong supports called buttresses. These buttresses stick out from the walls.
The tower is decorated with fancy stone carvings. You can see pointed tops called pinnacles on the corners. There are also gargoyles, which are carved stone figures that often look like monsters. They were originally used to drain water away from the building.
Inside the tower, there are six bells. The oldest bell was made around the year 1500. Imagine how many times those bells have rung over the centuries!
Inside the Church
When you go inside the church, you'll find interesting historical items. One special item is a palimpsest. This is a piece of art or writing that has been reused. In this case, it's a picture that shows Jane Seymour.
There used to be a gallery (a raised seating area) at the back of the nave. There were also special seats called box pews. However, these were removed when the church was updated during the Victorian restoration period.
The church also has a very old font used for baptisms. This font is from the Norman period, which means it's even older than parts of the church itself! It has a round base and bowl, and the rim of the bowl is decorated with detailed carvings.
Outside the Church
Right outside the church, next to the village green, you'll find the War Memorial. This memorial helps us remember people from the village who gave their lives in wars.
The Church of St Martin is part of a larger group of churches. It belongs to the benefice of Curry Rivel with Fivehead and Swell. This group is part of the Diocese of Bath and Wells, which is how the church is organized within the Church of England.
See also
- List of Grade I listed buildings in South Somerset
- List of towers in Somerset
- List of ecclesiastical parishes in the Diocese of Bath and Wells
