St Peter's Church, Englishcombe facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Church of St Peter, Englishcombe |
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St Peter's church seen from the southeast
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 Church of St Peter, Englishcombe
Location in Somerset
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| 51°21′50″N 2°24′31″W / 51.36389°N 2.40861°W | |
| Location | Englishcombe, Somerset |
| Country | England |
| Denomination | Church of England |
| History | |
| Founded | 12th century |
| Dedication | Saint Peter |
| Architecture | |
| Heritage designation | Grade I Listed |
| Designated | 1 February 1956 |
| Style | Norman, Decorated, Perpendicular |
| Administration | |
| Diocese | Exeter |
| Province | Canterbury |
The Church of St Peter is an old and special church in the village of Englishcombe, which is in Somerset, England. It belongs to the Church of England. This church is so important that it's officially known as a Grade I listed building. This means it's one of the most protected and historically significant buildings in the country.
A Look Back in Time
How Old Is It?
The Church of St Peter is very old! It was likely built in the 1100s. That's over 900 years ago! A person named Robert de Gournay probably had it built.
Who Owned the Church?
Long ago, in 1112, a lady named Hawisia de Gournay gave the church to a group of monks. They were called the Cluniac Priory of Bermondsey. Later, in 1239, these monks gave the church to another group of monks in Bath.
Special Features of the Church
The church has some really interesting old parts.
- Norman Arches: You can see arches built in the Norman style. This style was popular in England after the Normans arrived in 1066. It often features thick walls and round arches.
- Leper Holes: In the church's porch, there are small openings called "leper holes." These were used a long time ago. People who had leprosy (a serious skin condition) could listen to the church service through these holes. This allowed them to hear the sermon without coming into close contact with other people inside the church.
- Corbel Tables: Inside the church, on either side of the chancel (the area near the altar), you can find "corbel tables." These are rows of carved stone supports. They often show pictures of animals and people.
