St Nectan's Church, Welcombe facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Church of Saint Nectan |
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| Denomination | Church of England |
| Churchmanship | Broad |
| Website | www.welcombe.net www.achurchnearyou.com/welcombe-st-nectan/ |
| History | |
| Dedication | Saint Nectan |
| Administration | |
| Parish | Welcombe (Hartland Coast Team Ministry) |
| Deanery | Hartland |
| Archdeaconry | Barnstaple |
| Diocese | Exeter |
| Province | Canterbury |
St Nectan's Church is a historic church located in Welcombe. This village sits right on the border between Devon and Cornwall in England. The church serves as the main parish church for the Welcombe community.
Contents
Discovering St Nectan's Church
St Nectan's Church is nestled in a beautiful, untouched countryside. It feels very much like the nearby Cornish landscape. From the church, you can see down the valleys, called "combes," all the way to the Atlantic Ocean. It's a peaceful and scenic spot.
A Glimpse into History
This church has a long and interesting past. Originally, it was one of many small chapels in the large area of Hartland during the Middle Ages. In 1508, Welcombe became its own parish. This meant the church was enlarged to serve the growing community. They added new sections called north and south transepts to make it bigger.
Unique Features Inside
One of the most special parts of St Nectan's Church is its old wooden screen. This screen dates back to the early 14th century. It has a unique square-headed design. Experts believe it is the oldest screen still standing in Devon. The top part, called the cornice, was added later.
You can also see other interesting historical items inside. The lectern, where readings are given, is from the Jacobean period. The pulpit, used for sermons, has been restored but keeps its Tudor style. It even features narrow panels from the early Renaissance period.
Bells and Restorations
The church tower holds six bells. Four of these bells are very old, cast way back in 1731. Over the years, the church has had some updates. It was "restored," meaning repaired and improved, between 1883 and 1884. A vestry, which is a room used by the clergy, was added in 1911.
The Holy Well
Near St Nectan's Church, there is a special place known as a holy well. These wells were often believed to have healing powers or were important in ancient religious practices. It adds another layer of history to the church's surroundings.
