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St Mary's Church, Moorlinch facts for kids

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Church of St Mary
Square stone tower surrounded by trees and grass.
General information
Town or city Moorlinch
Country England
Coordinates 51°07′41″N 2°51′42″W / 51.1280°N 2.8616°W / 51.1280; -2.8616
Completed 13th century

The Church of St Mary in Moorlinch, Somerset, England is a very old church. It was built way back in the 13th century, which means it's over 700 years old! This church is so special that it's been named a Grade I listed building. This means it's one of the most important historic buildings in England. The church sits on a hill called the Polden Hills.

A Look Back in Time at St Mary's

The Church of St Mary has a long and interesting history. People first talked about a church in Moorlinch around the year 725. This was in old documents from a king named King Ine. Later, another king, King Edgar, also mentioned it in 971.

Who Owned the Church?

In 1262, a very famous place called Glastonbury Abbey took ownership of the church. Abbeys were like big monasteries where monks lived and worked. They often owned churches and land.

Inside the Church of St Mary

The church has many old and interesting parts. Some parts are even older than others!

Main Parts of the Church

The church has a chancel from the 14th century. The chancel is the part of the church where the altar is, usually at the east end. The main part of the church, called the nave, is even older, from the 12th century. This is where the people sit during services. There's also a south porch, which is like a covered entrance.

Special Features Inside

  • The Font: The font is a large basin used for baptisms. This one is very old, also from the 12th century.
  • The Pulpit: The pulpit is a raised platform where the preacher stands. This pulpit is from a style called Jacobean. It was made from wood that came from even older church panels.
  • The Organ: The church has an organ that was built in 1800. It was made by a person named James Davis.

The Church Bells

The tall tower at the west end of the church holds six bells. The oldest bell is called the tenor. It was made in 1651 by Thomas Purdue in a place called Closworth. Imagine how many times those bells have rung over the centuries!

See also

  • Grade I listed buildings in Sedgemoor
  • List of Somerset towers
  • List of ecclesiastical parishes in the Diocese of Bath and Wells
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