St Mary's Church, Frome facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Mary's Church, Frome |
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| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Church of England |
| Ecclesiastical or organizational status | Active |
| Year consecrated | 1864 |
| Location | |
| Location | Frome, Somerset, England |
| Architecture | |
| Architect(s) | Charles Edmund Giles |
| Architectural type | Church |
| Architectural style | Early English |
St Mary's Church is a special church in Frome, Somerset, England. It belongs to the Church of England. This beautiful building was constructed between 1862 and 1864. It was designed by an architect named C. E. Giles. Today, it is recognized as a Grade II listed building, which means it's an important historical structure.
Contents
Building St Mary's Church
St Mary's was built to help the main church, St John the Baptist. It was meant to serve people living in areas like Welshmill, Fromefield, Innox Hill, and Spring Gardens.
A kind person, who wished to remain unknown, paid for the church. The land for the church was given by Sir Charles Mordaunt. Other places were thought of, but this spot was chosen because it was easy for everyone to reach.
Laying the Foundation Stone
The plans for the church were drawn by C. E. Giles from Taunton. These plans also included a schoolroom and a house for the priest (called a rectory).
The first stone, called the corner stone, was laid on June 24, 1862. This was done by the vicar of Frome, Rev. William James Early Bennett. The church was built by a company called Messrs. Brown. Mr. Tookey was in charge of the building work. Mr. Ezard from Bath did the carving, and Mr. J. W. Singer made the ironwork.
The Church Opens
St Mary's Church was officially opened and blessed on January 26, 1864. This special ceremony was led by the Bishop of Bath and Wells, the Right Rev. Robert Eden.
Later, in 1952, a large anchor was placed inside the church. It hangs as a "rood," which is a cross or crucifix. In 1969, a beautiful stained glass window was added. It is located east of the south porch and was put there to remember Tom Russell Warrilow.
Church Design and Features
St Mary's Church is built from local stone that has been shaped and pointed. It also uses smooth Bath stone for details. The church has several main parts:
- A nave (the main area where people sit)
- A chancel (the area near the altar)
- An organ chapel
- A vestry (a room for the clergy)
- A south porch (an entrance area)
Next to the church on its north side is a schoolroom and classroom. These are now used as the church hall. Connected to the hall is the two-story rectory, where the priest used to live.
Special Roof and Bells
Above the arch leading to the chancel, there is a small tower called a bell turret. It has an iron cross on top that shines like gold. The west end of the church also has a special bell-cot, which holds three bells.
Windows and Inside Details
The chancel has a unique semi-octagonal shape with single windows made by Clayton and Bell. The nave has four windows, each with two lights. The organ chapel has a two-light window at its front. Horwood of Mells painted the glass for the single window above the font, which is used for baptisms.
The west end of the church has two single windows and a round window high up in the gable. A small screen made of Bath stone separates the chancel and the nave. This screen has columns made of red Mansfield stone.
The area around the altar has special patterned tiles called Mintons encaustic tiles. The steps leading to the altar are made of shiny limestone. The aisle, which is the path down the middle, also has Mintons encaustic tiles. The floor under the seats is made of wood. The roof inside is made of open, stained timber.
Original Church Furnishings
Many of the church's original fittings from the 1800s are still there. These include:
- An eight-sided stone pulpit, where sermons are given.
- A brass lectern, a stand for reading lessons from the Bible.
- A font, which is a basin for baptisms, with a central column and four marble supports.
The organ was built by Vowles of Bristol. The carved reredos, which is a decorated screen behind the altar, has three panels. Each panel is separated by columns made of Devon marble and topped with a carved design.
