St Mary's Church, Cannington facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Church of St Mary |
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| General information | |
| Town or city | Cannington |
| Country | England |
| Coordinates | 51°09′01″N 3°03′45″W / 51.1502°N 3.0624°W |
| Completed | 15th century |
The Church of St Mary is an old and important church located in Cannington, a village in Somerset, England. It is the main church for the local area, also known as the parish. This church is part of the Church of England and belongs to the Diocese of Bath and Wells.
The Church Building
The Church of St Mary has a tall tower that was built a very long time ago, in the 14th century (the 1300s). Most of the rest of the church was rebuilt in the early 15th century (the early 1400s). Later, in 1840, it was repaired and updated by an architect named Richard Carver.
This church is considered very special. It has been given a "Grade I listed building" status. This means it is a building of exceptional interest and importance.
Inside the Church
The main part of the church, called the nave, was built between 1375 and 1400. However, the tower is even older, coming from an earlier church that stood here. You can also see a pulpit inside, which is where the priest gives sermons. This pulpit is from the 15th century.
Many people have been buried at the church over the centuries. There are also memorials inside for members of the family of John Pym, who was an important figure in English history.
Church History
For a long time, the Church of St Mary was connected to a place called Cannington Priory. A priory was a type of monastery. This connection lasted through the Middle Ages.
Later, when monasteries were closed down in England (a time called the "dissolution of the monasteries"), the church's ownership changed. It was then looked after by the owners of the Cannington manor. In 1685, a noblewoman named Elizabeth, Baroness Clifford was in charge. Over time, it was managed by Oxford University and then by the Bishop of Bath and Wells.
The church also had a link to Cannington Court, a nearby historic house. Some people believe it might have been the church for a group of Benedictine Nuns. These nuns came to Cannington after they had to leave their home during the French Revolution.
Today, the Church of St Mary is part of a group of churches called a benefice. This group includes churches in Cannington, Otterhampton, Combwich, and Stockland. They are all located within the Quantock area.
See also
- Grade I listed buildings in Sedgemoor
- List of Somerset towers
- List of ecclesiastical parishes in the Diocese of Bath and Wells
