St Nicholas' Church, Abbotsbury facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Nicholas' Church |
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St Nicholas' Church
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| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Church of England |
| Ecclesiastical or organizational status | Active |
| Location | |
| Location | Abbotsbury, Dorset, England |
| Architecture | |
| Architectural type | Church |
St Nicholas' Church is a historic Church of England church located in the village of Abbotsbury, Dorset, England. This ancient building has stood for centuries, with its oldest parts dating back to the 1300s. Over time, new sections were added, and the church was carefully repaired and updated.
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Discovering St Nicholas' Church
St Nicholas' Church is a fascinating place with a long history. It has seen many changes and events over the centuries.
A Look at Its Old Walls
The very first parts of St Nicholas' Church were built in the 14th century, which means the 1300s. Later, in the 15th century (the 1400s), more sections were added. This included the tall tower at the west end and a small chapel on the north side. The church has been restored several times to keep it in good condition. These repairs happened in 1807–08, again in 1885, and most recently in 1930.
Secrets of the Porch and Pulpit
When you enter the church, you'll find a special stone carving in the porch. This carving is an effigy, which is like a statue of a person, and it shows an abbot from Abbotsbury Abbey. An abbot was the head of a monastery. This effigy was found in 1778 at the site of the Abbey's own church, St Peter's. Experts believe it was made around the year 1200.
Inside the church, the pulpit is very interesting. A pulpit is a raised platform where a preacher stands. This one is from the Jacobean period, which was in the early 1600s. It has two real bullet holes! These holes are a reminder of a battle that happened in 1644 during the English Civil War. During this war, soldiers who supported Parliament surrounded the Royalist soldiers who were hiding in the church. The bullet holes show where the fighting took place.
A Protected Piece of History
St Nicholas' Church is considered a very important historical building. Since 1956, it has been a Grade I listed building. This means it has special protection because of its historical and architectural importance.
In the churchyard, there is also a memorial to those who fought in World War I. This memorial was put up around 1920. In 2015, it also became a Grade II listed structure, recognizing its historical value.
