St Mary's Church, Portbury facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Mary's Church |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| General information | |
| Town or city | Portbury |
| Country | England |
| Coordinates | 51°28′32″N 2°43′02″W / 51.4756°N 2.7173°W |
| Completed | 12th century |
St Mary's Church is a very old church located in Portbury, Somerset, England. It is an Anglican church, which means it belongs to the Church of England. You can find it near the M5 motorway. This church is considered a Grade I listed building, meaning it is very important historically.
The church was first built in the 1100s. It was changed and made bigger in the 1200s. Later, between 1870 and 1875, it had a big "restoration" or makeover. It has a special doorway from the Norman times. There is also a large porch from the 1400s.
Contents
History of St Mary's Church
Early Beginnings
St Mary's Church has a long history. It was first built in the 12th century, which is over 800 years ago! Over time, parts of the church were changed. It was made larger in the 13th century.
Victorian Changes
A major renovation happened between 1870 and 1875. This was during the Victorian era. During this time, a cast-iron heating system was put in. This helped keep the church warm.
Special Features of the Church
Ancient Architecture
The church has a beautiful Norman doorway. This style of building was popular in England after the Normans arrived. There is also a large porch. This porch was built in the 15th century.
Berkeley Chapel
Inside the church, there is a special area called the Berkeley Chantry chapel. This chapel is where members of the early Berkeley family were buried. Their burials date back to around 1190.
The Churchyard and Its Trees
Around St Mary's Church, there is a graveyard. In this graveyard, you can find several very old yew trees. One of these trees is thought to be 900 years old. Imagine how much history that tree has seen!
Church Community and Bells
Parish Life
St Mary's Church is part of a larger church group. This group is called the benefice of Pill, Portbury, and Easton in Gordano. It is also part of the Portishead deanery. This means it works with other local churches.
The Church Bells
The church tower holds six bells. These bells are used for a special type of ringing called "change ringing." The heaviest bell is called the tenor. It weighs about 1 ton (21 cwt). In 2012, work was done in the tower. A floor was put back between the bell ringers and the bells. Many of these bells were made by the Bilbie family. They were famous bell makers from Chew Stoke.
Protecting the Church
In 2013, St Mary's Church was added to the Heritage at Risk Register. This happened because water was damaging the plaster ceiling. Being on this list means the church needs special care. It helps make sure this historic building is protected for the future.
See also
- Grade I listed buildings in North Somerset
- List of Somerset towers
- List of ecclesiastical parishes in the Diocese of Bath and Wells
