St Mary's Church, Bridport facts for kids

Quick facts for kids St. Mary’s Church
St Mary's Parish Church Bridport
St. Mary's Church in 2015
OS grid reference	SY 46577 92595
Location	Bridport, Dorset
Country	England
History
Status	Active

St Mary's Church is an Anglican parish church located in Bridport, Dorset, England. It is a very important historical building, known as a Grade I listed building. This means it has special historical or architectural importance.

The church is part of the Bridport Team Ministry. It serves as the main church for the town of Bridport. St Mary's Church works closely with the Bridport United Church. They often hold joint services, study groups, and fun holiday clubs for children. The church also has a special link with Roumois in France. This connection helps people from both places learn about each other's cultures.

St Mary's Church can hold up to 400 people. It is a busy place that hosts many different events. The church also has a set of eight bells that can be rung together.

History of St Mary's Church

The oldest parts of St Mary's Church date back a long time. Some sections, like the north and south transepts, were built in the early 1200s. A transept is a part of a church that crosses the main body, making the building look like a cross.

Building Changes Over Time

Most of the church, including its central tower, was built later. These parts were added in the late 1300s and during the 1400s. Over the years, the church has been updated many times. In the 1800s, it had a big restoration. This means it was repaired and changed quite a bit to keep it strong and beautiful.

A Monument from the Past

Inside St. Catherine's Chapel, there is a special brass plaque from the 1600s. This plaque remembers Edward Coker. He was a person who died in 1685 during the Monmouth Rebellion. This was a time when people fought against the king. Edward Coker is said to have lost his life on East Street in Bridport.