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 important building. It was built way back in the 12th century, which means it's over 800 years old! Because it's so old and special, it has been given a Grade I listed building status. This means it's one of the most important historic buildings in England and is protected.
Contents
A Look Inside the Church
The Church of St Mary was built in the Norman style. This type of architecture was popular in England after the Normans arrived in 1066. The church has a main area called the nave, which is where people sit during services. This nave has three sections, known as "bays."
Key Features of the Church
- South Porch: At the entrance, there's a small covered area called a south porch. The main door here is rounded at the top, which is a common feature in Norman buildings. It also has decorative columns on either side.
- Chancel: Beyond the nave is the chancel. This is the part of the church where the altar is located, usually reserved for the clergy.
- Central Tower: The church has a short tower right in the middle of the building. This tower has two levels. Below the tower, the ceiling has a special arched shape called a quadripartite vault. This means the ceiling is made of four curved sections that meet in the middle.
Outside the Church
If you look at the outside of the church, you'll see five stone carvings called corbels. These are decorative pieces that stick out from the wall, often supporting something above them. These corbels are in the Romanesque style, which is another name for the Norman style. One of these corbels is quite interesting because it shows two human heads joined together. This particular carving might have been added a bit later than the rest of the church.
The Ancient Font
Inside the church, there's a very old font that also dates back to the 12th century. A font is a large basin used for baptisms. This font has a round base that sits on rectangular stone blocks. The top part, which holds the water, is square and has decorations carved into three of its sides.
Church Community
The Church of St Mary is part of a larger church area called the Crook Peak parish. A parish is like a local community served by a church. This parish belongs to the Diocese of Bath and Wells. A diocese is a larger area managed by a bishop, overseeing many churches and parishes.
