Whitcombe Church facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Whitcombe Church |
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| Location | Whitcombe, Dorset, England |
| Built | 12th century |
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Listed Building – Grade I
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| Official name: Parish Church (Dedication Unknown) | |
| Designated | 26 July 1956 |
| Reference no. | 105986 |
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Whitcombe Church is a very old church located in Whitcombe, England. It was first built way back in the 12th century, which means it's over 800 years old! This church is considered a special historical building. It is listed as a Grade I listed building, which is the highest level of protection for historic places in England.
Today, Whitcombe Church is looked after by the Churches Conservation Trust. This group helps to save historic churches that are no longer used for regular services. The church officially became part of the Trust's care in 1973.
Contents
What Makes Whitcombe Church Special?
A Look at Its Long History
The land where Whitcombe Church stands has been a place for worship for a very long time. People gathered here even during the Saxon era, which was over 1,000 years ago! You can still see pieces of two Saxon crosses at the church, showing its ancient roots.
The main part of the church, called the nave, was built in the 12th century. Later, in the 15th century, the chancel (the area near the altar) was added. The tall tower you see today was built even later, in the late 16th century. Each part tells a story of different times.
Inside the Church: Art and History
When you step inside Whitcombe Church, you can see amazing old things. There are several wall paintings that have survived for centuries. One of these paintings shows St Christopher, a famous saint. You can also find a font from the 13th century. This font is made from Purbeck marble, a special type of stone found in Dorset.
William Barnes: A Famous Visitor
A very important person named William Barnes was connected to Whitcombe Church. He was an English writer, poet, and minister. He was also a philologist, which means he studied languages and their history.
William Barnes worked as a curate (a type of minister) at Whitcombe Church from 1847 to 1852. He returned again in 1862. He gave his first and last sermons (speeches during a church service) right here in this church. Barnes wrote more than 800 poems, many of them in the local Dorset dialect. He also wrote a detailed English grammar book, using examples from over 70 different languages!
Images for kids
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Whitcombe Church, a historic building in Dorset.
