St Mary's Church, Meare facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Church of St Mary |
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| General information | |
| Town or city | Meare |
| Country | England |
| Coordinates | 51°10′18″N 2°46′44″W / 51.1718°N 2.7789°W |
| Completed | 1323 |
The Church of St Mary is a very old church located in Meare, a village in Somerset, England. It was built a long, long time ago, in 1323. This church used to be looked after by Glastonbury Abbey, a famous monastery nearby. Today, it is known as a Grade I listed building, which means it's a super important historical building that needs to be protected.
Contents
Discovering St Mary's Church
The Church of St Mary is a fascinating place with a rich history. It stands as a testament to centuries of faith and craftsmanship. The church was originally built for a person named Abbot Adam of Sodbury.
A Look Inside the Church
When you step inside, you'll find some really old items. There's a stone pulpit from the 1400s, which is where sermons were given. You can also see a wooden chest from 1705 and special candelabras from 1777. The church's tower is home to six bells that ring out beautiful sounds.
The Church's Long History
The main parts of the church, like the chancel (the area around the altar) and the tower, were built in 1323. That year, a special ceremony called a "consecration" took place, led by John Droxford, who was the Bishop of Bath and Wells.
Later, around 1470, the nave (the main part of the church where people sit) was rebuilt. This work was started by Abbot John Selwood and finished by Abbot Richard Beere.
An Ancient Legend
There's an old story that says the church was built on the spot where a monk named Saint Beonna once lived. He was also known as Benen or Beon. People believe he lived sometime between the 5th and 9th centuries. His remains were later moved to Glastonbury Abbey in 1091.
The Church Today
The Church of St Mary is still an active place of worship. It is part of a larger group of churches that includes St John the Baptist and St Benedict in Glastonbury. This group is part of the Glastonbury deanery, which is a local area for churches.
See also
- List of Grade I listed buildings in Mendip
- List of towers in Somerset
