St Michael and All Angels' Church, East Coker facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Michael and All Angels’ Church, East Coker |
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| 50°54′26.38″N 2°39′26.33″W / 50.9073278°N 2.6573139°W | |
| Location | East Coker |
| Country | England |
| Denomination | Church of England |
| Churchmanship | Broad Church |
| Website | eastcokerchurch.org.uk |
| History | |
| Dedication | St Michael and All Angels |
| Architecture | |
| Heritage designation | Grade II* listed |
| Administration | |
| Parish | East Coker |
| Deanery | Yeovil |
| Archdeaconry | Wells |
| Diocese | Diocese of Bath and Wells |
| Province | Province of Canterbury |
The St Michael and All Angels’ Church is a very old church located in East Coker, a village in Somerset, England. It is a parish church for the local community and belongs to the Church of England. This church is special because it is a Grade II* listed building. This means it is an important historical building that needs to be protected.
Contents
A Look at the Church's History
The St Michael and All Angels’ Church was first built a very long time ago, in the late 1100s. Many parts of the church you see today were built later, in the 1400s.
Early Days and Important Families
In the 1300s, the person in charge of the church, called the rector, was chosen by the local lord. This lord lived at Coker Court, a large house next to the church. A special window in the church shows the family symbol, or "coat of arms," of the Helyar family. They were important local lords. One famous member, William Helyar, helped build special homes for poor people, known as Helyar Almshouses.
Changes to the Church Building
The church used to have a tower in the middle. But in 1791, this tower was replaced. A new tower was built on the north-east side of the church. This new tower was designed by an architect named Joseph Radford.
Special Items and Famous Visitors
Inside the church, you can find a beautiful brass eagle lectern. A lectern is a stand where the Bible is read during services. This one was given to the church in 1898 to celebrate Queen Victoria's 60 years as queen. The church is also famous as the final resting place of a very well-known poet, T. S. Eliot. His ashes were placed here in 1965.
Music and Bells at the Church
The church has a wonderful pipe organ. This organ was made by a company called E. Lifford and Co in Yeovil. Organs like this make music using air blown through many pipes.
The Church Bells
The church tower holds a set of 8 bells. These bells are very old, made in 1770 or 1771. They were cast by a famous family of bell makers, the Bilbie family. When rung together, these bells create beautiful music for the village.
Churches in the Local Area
St Michael and All Angels’ Church is part of a group of churches in the local area. This means they work together. The other churches in this group are:
- St Mary's Church, East Chinnock
- St Mary's Church, Hardington Mandeville
- St Roch's Church, Pendomer
- All Saints’ Church, Closworth
- St Martin of Tours' Church, West Coker
- All Saints' Church, Sutton Bingham
Images for kids
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St Michael's Church and Coker Court
