St Mary's Church, Chedzoy

The Anglican Church of St Mary in Chedzoy, Somerset, England dates from the 13th century and has been designated as a grade I listed building.[1]

Church of St Mary
Stone building with square tower.
St Mary's Church, Chedzoy is located in Somerset
St Mary's Church, Chedzoy
Location within Somerset
General information
Town or cityChedzoy
CountryEngland
Coordinates51.1345°N 2.9429°W / 51.1345; -2.9429
Completed13th century

There is evidence of a Church in Chedzoy in 1166 when it was given along with the parent church in North Petherton to Buckland Priory.[2] The tower dates from the early 16th century when the porch, clerestory, the arch into the north transept, and the windows in the north aisle were added.[3]

Much of the current building is from the 17th century, although the Norman chancel, chancel arch and doorway remain. It was extensively remodelled by William Butterfield in 1861.[4] A late medieval screen and rood loft were removed around 1841. The font has survived since the 13th century. The pulpit is from the 16th century. Amongst the memorials is a brass believed to commemorate Richard Sydenham who died in 1499.[2]

Local tradition says that the church still bears marks form the forces of the Duke of Monmouth during the Monmouth Rebellion who sharpened their swords before battle,[5] however this is unlikely to be the true source of the marks.[6]

The parish is part of the benefice of Westonzoyland with Chedzoy within the Sedgemoor deanery.[3]

See also

References

  1. "Church of St Mary". historicengland.org.uk. Retrieved 6 December 2007.
  2. "Chedzoy: Church". A History of the County of Somerset: Volume 6: Andersfield, Cannington, and North Petherton Hundreds (Bridgwater and neighbouring parishes). British History Online. Retrieved 18 September 2011.
  3. "The Blessed Virgin Mary, Chedzoy". Church of England. Retrieved 18 September 2011.
  4. "St Mary's, Chedzoy, Somerset". Minerva Stone Conservation. Retrieved 18 May 2009.
  5. Leete-Hodge, Lornie (1985). Curiosities of Somerset. Bodmin: Bossiney Books. p. 81. ISBN 0-906456-98-3.
  6. "A Battlefield Drive". Battlefields Resource Centre. Retrieved 18 September 2011.
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