St Peter's Church, Camerton Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Church of St Peter |
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| Location | Camerton, Somerset, England |
| Built | 15th century |
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Listed Building – Grade I
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| Designated | 1 February 1956 |
| Reference no. | 32670 |
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The Church of St Peter is an old and important church located in Camerton, Somerset, England. It was built a very long time ago, in the 15th century. This means it is over 500 years old!
Because of its age and special history, the church has been given a special title. It is known as a Grade I listed building. This means it is considered one of the most important historic buildings in England.
Contents
A Vicar Who Loved History
John Skinner, the Archaeologist
From 1800 to 1839, a man named John Skinner was the vicar of the Church of St Peter. A vicar is a type of priest who leads a church. But John Skinner was not just a vicar; he was also a keen archaeologist.
Archaeologists are like detectives who study the past. They dig up old objects and places to learn about how people lived long ago. Skinner spent a lot of time exploring ancient sites.
Discovering Ancient Burials
John Skinner was especially interested in ancient burial mounds. These mounds are called barrows. He dug into many of them, including famous ones at Priddy and Stoney Littleton. These excavations helped people learn more about ancient British history.
Skinner also kept detailed journals about his discoveries. These journals are like diaries where he wrote down everything he found and observed. His journals, written between 1803 and 1834, are now kept safe at the British Library. They are a valuable record of his work.
The Church's Changing Look
Medieval Roots and Victorian Changes
The Church of St Peter has changed over the centuries. In the early 1800s, it still had its original medieval parts. These included the nave, which is the main part of the church where people sit. It also had the chancel, which is the area near the altar.
John Skinner actually started to make the church bigger. Later, in 1892, the church was updated again. This was part of a "Victorian restoration," which means it was repaired and redesigned in the style popular during Queen Victoria's time. A designer named Thomas Garner helped with these changes.
The North Chapel and Family Monuments
One special part of the church is the north chapel. This chapel was built in 1638 by the Carew family. It is still there today and adds to the church's long history.
Inside the church, you can also find several monuments. These are like special memorials to members of important local families, such as the Carew and Lansdown families. They tell stories of people who lived in the area many years ago.
Church Community
The Church of St Peter is part of a larger group of churches. It belongs to the "benefice" of Timsbury with Priston, Camerton, and Dunkerton. This means these churches work together as one community. They are all part of the "deanery" of Midsomer Norton.
See also
- List of Grade I listed buildings in Bath and North East Somerset
- List of towers in Somerset
- List of ecclesiastical parishes in the Diocese of Bath and Wells
