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 |
St Michael and All Angels’ Church is a very old and special church located in East Coker, a village in Somerset, England. It's known as a 'Grade II* listed' building, which means it's an important historical site protected for its unique architecture and history. This church is part of the Church of England.
Contents
History of the Church
This church has a long and interesting past, going back to the late 1100s! While it started way back then, many parts of the church you see today were built 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 Lord of the Manor. This was the powerful family who owned the nearby Coker Court. One important family connected to the church was the Helyar family. Their family symbol, called a coat of arms, can still be seen in a window in the church. A famous member of this family was William Helyar. He was an important church leader and also built special homes for people in need, known as the Helyar Almshouses.
Changes Over Time
The church used to have a tower in the middle. But in 1791, this tower was replaced with a new one on the north-east side. This new tower was designed by an architect named Joseph Radford.
Special Gifts and Famous Visitors
In 1898, a beautiful brass eagle lectern was given to the church. A lectern is a stand where the Bible is read during services. This gift was made to celebrate Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee, which marked 60 years of her being queen.
The church is also famous because it's the final resting place of a very well-known poet, T. S. Eliot. His ashes were buried here in 1965.
Church Leaders
Over many centuries, St Michael and All Angels’ Church has had many different leaders. These leaders were first called rectors, and later they were known as vicars. They have guided the church community for hundreds of years.
The Church Organ
Inside the church, there is a pipe organ. This musical instrument was made by a company called E. Lifford and Co, from Yeovil. You can find more details about this organ on the National Pipe Organ Register.
The Church Bells
The church tower holds a set of 8 bells. These bells are very old, all made in 1770 or 1771. They were cast by Thomas II Bilbie, who came from a famous family of bell makers called the Bilbie family.
Working with Other Churches
St Michael and All Angels’ Church is part of a group of churches that work together. This group is called a joint parish. It includes:
- 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
See also
- List of ecclesiastical parishes in the Diocese of Bath and Wells
