St Martin of Tours' Church, West Coker facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Martin of Tours’ Church, West Coker |
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St Martin of Tours’ Church, West Coker
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| 50°55′10.71″N 2°41′20.65″W / 50.9196417°N 2.6890694°W | |
| Location | West Coker |
| Country | England |
| Denomination | Church of England |
| Churchmanship | Broad Church |
| History | |
| Dedication | St Martin of Tours |
| Architecture | |
| Heritage designation | Grade II* listed |
| Administration | |
| Parish | West Coker |
| Deanery | Yeovil |
| Archdeaconry | Wells |
| Diocese | Diocese of Bath and Wells |
| Province | Province of Canterbury |
St Martin of Tours' Church in West Coker, Somerset, is a very old and important building. It is a parish church that belongs to the Church of England. This church is so special that it has a Grade II* listed status. This means it is a building of more than special interest.
Contents
A Look Back: The Church's History
This church has been standing for a very long time. It was first built in the 13th century, which means it is over 700 years old! Imagine all the history it has seen.
Major Changes in the 1800s
Between 1863 and 1864, the church got a big makeover. An architect named James Mountford Allen from Crewkerne led the project. A local company, Robert Bartlett and Son, did the building work.
- The north and south parts of the church, called arcades, were rebuilt.
- One new section was added to the north side.
- The arch leading to the chancel (the area around the altar) was also rebuilt.
- The ceiling of the chancel was decorated with cool patterns by Mr. Stansell.
- New oak seats were put in the chancel.
- The floor was covered with beautiful patterned tiles from Maw & Co.
- A special screen behind the altar, called a reredos, was made by A.W. Blacker.
The church was ready and reopened on October 14, 1864.
The Church Organ
A brand new organ was added to the church in 1885. It was a generous gift from Miss Wood, who was the Rector's sister-in-law. The organ cost £500 back then. That would be worth a lot more money today! It was built by a company called Nicholson and Lord from Walsall.
The Church Bells
The church tower holds a set of 8 bells. These bells are very old and have a rich history.
- Four of the bells were made in 1770.
- One bell was made in 1779.
- These five older bells were cast by Thomas II Bilbie, who came from the famous Bilbie family of bell makers.
- The remaining three bells are newer, made in 1911 by Llewellins and James.
Imagine the sound of these bells ringing out over the village!
Part of a Larger Family of Churches
St Martin of Tours' Church is part of a group of churches in the area. It shares a parish with several other churches:
- St Mary's Church, East Chinnock
- St Mary's Church, Hardington Mandeville
- St Roch's Church, Pendomer
- All Saints’ Church, Closworth
- St Michael and All Angels' Church, East Coker
- All Saints’ Church, Sutton Bingham
