St Peter's Church, Catcott facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Church of St Peter |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| General information | |
| Town or city | Catcott |
| Country | England |
| Coordinates | 51°08′59″N 2°52′03″W / 51.1496°N 2.8675°W |
| Completed | 15th century |
The Church of St Peter is an old church in Catcott, a village in Somerset, England. Most of it was built in the 1400s (15th century), but some parts are even older, from the 1200s (13th century). It's considered a very important building, so it's a Grade I listed building. This means it has special historical and architectural value.
Contents
The Church's Past: A Unique Story
Long ago, this church was part of a group called the Polden Chapels. In 1548, during the time of King Edward VI, it was decided that the church should be closed and sold. A man named William Coke bought it. He even tried to stop local people from using it! In 1552, he actually knocked it down. But after some legal battles, he was made to build it again.
Exploring Inside the Church
The Church of St Peter has several main parts. It includes a nave, which is the main area where people sit. There's also a chancel, which is the part of the church near the altar. A north chapel, which is a smaller room, has been changed into a vestry. A vestry is a room where clergy members get ready for services.
The West Tower and Its Bells
The church has a tall, two-stage west tower. This tower is supported by strong diagonal buttresses, which are structures built against a wall to give it support. One of the church's bells was made in 1716 by Edward Bilbie, who came from the famous Bilbie family of bell makers.
The Ancient Font
Inside the church, you can find an octagonal font. This font, which is used for baptisms, is very old, dating back to the 13th century. That means it's been there for over 800 years!
Protecting This Historic Building
The Church of St Peter has faced some challenges. It was placed on the Heritage at Risk Register because of problems with its walls and roof. This register lists important historic buildings that are in danger of falling apart. Luckily, a lot of work has been done to fix the church. Over £100,000 has been spent to make sure this special building is safe and sound for many more years.
The Church Today
Today, the Church of St Peter is still an active place of worship. It is part of the Polden Wheel benefice, which is a group of churches working together. This group is part of the Diocese of Bath and Wells, which is a larger area managed by the Church of England.
See also
- List of Grade I listed buildings in Sedgemoor
- List of towers in Somerset
