St Mary's Church, Luccombe facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Church of St Mary |
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| General information | |
| Town or city | Luccombe |
| Country | England |
| Coordinates | 51°11′22″N 3°33′33″W / 51.1894°N 3.5593°W |
| Completed | c 1450 |
The Church of St Mary is a very old and important church located in the village of Luccombe, in Somerset, England. Parts of this church are over 700 years old! It started with a section called the chancel around the year 1300. Later, the main part of the church, called the nave, and its tall tower were built around 1450.
Because it is so old and special, the Church of St Mary has been named a Grade I listed building. This means it is a very important historical building that needs to be protected. Over the years, different parts were added or changed. For example, an aisle (a side section) was added in 1530. Later, a gallery was put in, but it was removed in 1840 when the church was updated and a vestry (a room for clergy) was added.
What Does St Mary's Church Look Like?
The Church of St Mary is built from rough stone, which means it has a natural, uneven look. The vestry, however, is made from squared red sandstone, and the tower is built from random pieces of red sandstone. The roofs are covered with slate.
Inside the Church
Inside, the church walls are painted white. The roof is shaped like a barrel, which is a common style for old churches. The main arch leading to the tower has a pointed shape, typical of the "Perpendicular" style of architecture from the 1400s.
You can also find some interesting old items inside:
- A pulpit (where the priest gives sermons) and a chair from the Jacobean period (early 1600s).
- A medieval rood screen, which is a decorative wooden or stone screen that used to separate the chancel from the nave.
The Church Tower
The church tower is built in three main sections and has a cool top with crenellations. These are the battlements that look like the top of a castle wall. The tower also has gargoyles, which are carved stone figures that often act as water spouts.
The tower is home to six bells! Five of these bells were made way back in 1759. Imagine how many times they have rung over the centuries!
See also
- List of Grade I listed buildings in West Somerset
- List of towers in Somerset
- List of ecclesiastical parishes in the Diocese of Bath and Wells
