St Michael's Church, Othery facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Church of St Michael |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| General information | |
| Architectural style | Norman |
| Town or city | Othery |
| Country | England |
| Coordinates | 51°04′50″N 2°52′58″W / 51.0806°N 2.8829°W |
The Church of St Michael is a very old church located in Othery, Somerset, England. It was built a long time ago, starting in the 12th century. This church is considered a Grade I listed building by English Heritage. This means it is a super important historical building.
However, the church is currently on the Heritage at Risk Register. This means that some parts of its tall tower need repairs to keep it safe and strong.
Contents
History of the Church
Early Beginnings
The Church of St Michael has a long history. It was first part of a larger church area called Sowy parish. Othery had its own chaplain, a type of priest, starting in 1203. But the church itself was dedicated even before that year.
Becoming a Parish Church
In 1515, the Sowy area was divided. Othery then became its own separate parish. This meant the Church of St Michael became its main parish church. It also got its own vicar, who is the head priest.
Changes Over Time
The church was rebuilt and changed a lot in the 15th century. It was built in a style called perpendicular Gothic, which means it has tall, straight lines and big windows. After 1844, parts of the church were rebuilt again.
The Somerset Tower
The church has a typical Somerset tower. This type of tower is common in the Somerset area. It was repaired and updated in the 1800s. In 1849 and 1853, new pinnacles (pointy decorations) and niches (small alcoves) were added. Later, sculptures of heads and angels were put on the tower.
Church Bells
Inside the tower, there are five bells. The oldest bell was made in the 1650s. The other bells were made between 1692 and 1815.
Inside the Church
Stained Glass Windows
The church has some beautiful old glass. There are round pieces of medieval glass that came from Glastonbury Abbey. These pieces show the faces of three important church leaders. More stained glass was put in the church in the 1850s. These windows were made by famous artists like Hardman, Bell, and Holland of Warwick. You can find them in the chancel (the area around the altar), the vestry (a room for priests), and the north transept (a part of the church that sticks out).
Special Memorials
The church also has a special memorial for the three Chard brothers. One of them was Colonel John Chard, who passed away in 1897. He was a hero who led the defense of Rorke's Drift in South Africa. His father used to live nearby at Pathe.
Old Records
The church keeps old records called registers. These records go all the way back to 1560. They help us learn about events that happened a long time ago in the parish.
The Othery Cope
A very special item found in the church is the Othery Cope. A cope is a fancy robe worn by priests. This one is from the 16th century and is very rare. It was found under the old pulpit when the church was being repaired in the Victorian era. After being restored, it is now kept at the Glastonbury Abbey Museum.
Interesting Connections
Ley Lines
The Church of St Michael in Othery is one of several churches dedicated to St Michael that are believed to be on a "ley line". A ley line is an imaginary straight line that some people believe connects ancient and important sites. This idea was suggested by a writer named John Michell. Other St Michael churches on this proposed ley line include those at Burrow Mump and Glastonbury Tor.
First Vicar
The first Vicar of Othery Parish was John Colmer. He served the church from 1515 to 1522.
See also
- List of ecclesiastical parishes in the Diocese of Bath and Wells
