St Mary's Church, Axminster facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Mary's Church |
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St Mary's Church
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| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Church of England |
| Location | |
| Location | Axminster, Devon, England |
| Architecture | |
| Architectural type | Church |
St Mary's Church is a historic Church of England church located in Axminster, Devon, England. It is the oldest building in Axminster and serves as the town's main parish church. The church has parts that date back to the Norman times, but most of what you see today was built between the 13th and 15th centuries.
St Mary's Church is very important, which is why it has been a Grade II* Listed building since 1950. This means it's a special building that needs to be protected. The oldest part of the church that you can still see is a doorway from the Norman period. The church's tower was rebuilt in the 13th century and later repaired in 1896. After some damage in 2014, the church was carefully fixed and reopened in 2015.
Contents
Discovering St Mary's Church History
St Mary's Church has a long and interesting past. Its earliest parts show signs of Norman design. The Normans were people from France who came to England in 1066. They built many churches and castles.
How the Church Changed Over Time
Most of the church building you see today was constructed much later. This happened between the 1200s and 1400s. Over the centuries, different parts were added or changed. This is common for old churches, as they grow with their communities.
Protecting a Historic Building
Being a Grade II* Listed building means St Mary's is very important. It has special architectural or historical interest. This listing helps make sure the church is kept safe for future generations.
Remembering Heroes: The War Memorial
In the churchyard of St Mary's, there is a special memorial. It is dedicated to local people who bravely served their country. This memorial helps everyone remember their sacrifice.
Honoring World War I and II Soldiers
The memorial is an obelisk, which is a tall, four-sided pillar. It has been a Grade II Listed structure since 1983. This means it is also a protected historic site. The memorial lists the names of 65 local men who died in World War I. Later, 19 more names were added for those who lost their lives in World War II.
Other Historic Features in the Churchyard
Near the churchyard's north east gate, there is also an old tomb chest. This tomb dates back to the early 1800s. It is also a Grade II Listed structure, adding to the historical importance of the church grounds.
