St Michael's Church, Stawley facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Church of St Michael |
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| General information | |
| Town or city | Stawley |
| Country | England |
| Coordinates | 50°59′44″N 3°20′25″W / 50.9955°N 3.3404°W |
| Completed | 13th century |
The Church of St Michael is a very old and important church located in Stawley, a village in Somerset, England. It was first built way back in the 13th century, which means it's over 700 years old! Because of its age and special history, it's officially recognized as a Grade I listed building. This means it's considered one of the most important historic buildings in England.
Contents
A Look at the Church's History
How the Church Was Built
The Church of St Michael you see today stands on the same spot where an even older church once stood. This first church was built during the Norman period, a long time ago. You can still see parts of that very old church in the walls of the main area, called the nave. Look closely for a special brick pattern called "herringbone," which looks like fish bones.
Most of the church we see now was built in the early 1500s. A local farmer and trader named Henry Howe helped pay for a lot of it. His generosity is remembered with a special scroll above the church door. The tall tower was also built around that time. It might have been paid for by the family of John Poulett, 1st Baron Poulett, whose family symbol, a coat of arms with three swords, is on the tower.
Records and Renovations
The church has kept detailed records, called a church register, since 1528. These books tell us about important events like births, marriages, and deaths in the village over hundreds of years.
In 1873, the church had some small updates, known as a Victorian restoration. However, most of the church still looks very much like it did in medieval times. It's like a time capsule!
The Church Bells
For many years, the church had a set of bells. In 2007, a sixth bell was added to the tower. This new bell had a journey of its own, as it used to be at another church, the Church of St Peter and St Paul in Maperton. Now, all six bells ring out together from the three-stage west tower.
The Church Today
The Church of St Michael is an active Anglican parish church. It used to be part of a larger group of churches around Wellington. Now, it's part of a newer group of churches called the benefice of West Tone. This means it works together with other local churches in the area.
See also
- List of Grade I listed buildings in Taunton Deane
- List of towers in Somerset
- List of ecclesiastical parishes in the Diocese of Bath and Wells
