St Mary's Church, Christon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Church of St Mary |
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| General information | |
| Town or city | Christon, North Somerset |
| Country | England |
| Coordinates | 51°18′41″N 2°53′30″W / 51.311392°N 2.891567°W |
| Completed | 12th century |
The Church of St Mary in Christon, North Somerset, England, is a very old and special building. It was built way back in the 12th century, which means it's over 800 years old! Because it's so important and well-preserved, it's been given a special status called a Grade I listed building. This means it's one of the most important historic buildings in the country.
Exploring the Historic Church of St Mary
This church is a fantastic example of Norman style. Norman architecture was popular in England after the Normans arrived in 1066. The church has a main area called a nave, which is divided into three sections. It also has a south porch, which is like a small entrance room, and a chancel, which is the part of the church where the altar is located.
Unique Features of the Church
The church has a short tower right in the middle of the building. Below this tower, you can see a special type of arched ceiling called a quadripartite vault. The door in the south porch is rounded at the top, which is a common feature in Norman buildings. It also has columns on each side, adding to its grand look.
Outside the church, you can spot five interesting stone carvings called Romanesque corbels. These are like decorative brackets that stick out from the wall. One of these corbels is very unique because it shows two human heads joined together. This particular carving might have been added to the church a bit later than the original 12th-century construction.
The Ancient Font
Inside the Church of St Mary, there is a very old font that also dates back to the 12th century. A font is a basin used for baptisms, which is a special ceremony in the Christian church. This font has a round base that sits on top of rectangular stone blocks. The top part, or bowl, of the font is square and has decorations carved into three of its sides. It's amazing to think that this font has been used for hundreds of years!
The Church of St Mary is part of the Crook Peak parish. This parish belongs to the Diocese of Bath and Wells, which is a larger area managed by the Church of England.
