St George's Church, Wembdon Explained

St George's Church
Coordinates:51.1364°N -3.0172°W
Location:Wembdon, Somerset, England
Built:14th and 15th century
Designation1:Grade II listed building
Designation1 Offname:Church of St George
Designation1 Date:29 March 1963
Designation1 Number:1237571
Designation2:Grade II listed building
Designation2 Offname:Churchyard Cross, in Churchyard 8 metres south of South Aisle, Church of St George
Designation2 Date:29 March 1963
Designation2 Number:1059052
Designation3:Scheduled ancient monument
Designation3 Offname:Churchyard cross in St George's churchyard
Designation3 Number:1015454
Designation4:Grade II listed building
Designation4 Offname:Stocks, in churchyard 8 metres South of vestry, Church of St George
Designation4 Date:24 June 1985
Designation4 Number:1237586

The Anglican St George's Church was founded in the 13th century in the village of Wembdon within the English county of Somerset. The current building dates from the 14th and 15th century but was largely rebuilt in 1868 after a fire. It is a Grade II listed building.

History

The church was granted by William Testard, lord of Wembdon Manor, to St John's Hospital, Bridgwater in 1284.[1] The current red sandstone building was built in the 14th and 15th century in a perpendicular style with a west tower.

In the churchyard is a 15th-century churchyard cross on an octagonal base.[2] The shaft is approximately high; however the head of the cross is missing. It is a Grade II listed building and ancient monument. There is also a set of stocks which were probably installed in the 17th century. They were moved to their current site and restored in 1916.

The church was badly damaged by fire in March 1868, and as the certificate for fire insurance had expired, had to be rebuilt with significant local aid.[3] The tower survived from the original building, however the rest of the structure was rebuilt to designs by J.M. Hay, which included the extension of the nave.[1]

Present day

The benefice of Wembdon is within the Sedgemoor deanery which is part of the Diocese of Bath and Wells.[4]

St George's Church stands in the conservative evangelical tradition of the Church of England. It has passed resolutions to reject the ordination of women.[5]

See also

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Baggs. A.P.. Siraut. m.C.. Wembdon: Church. British History Online. Victoria County History. 23 February 2015.
  2. Web site: St. George's Parish Church. Bridgwater Heritage. 23 February 2015.
  3. Book: Sly, Nicola. A grim almanac of Somerset. 2010. History Press. Stroud. 9780752458144. 39.
  4. Web site: St George's Church, Wembdon. A Church Near You. Church of England. 23 February 2015.
  5. Web site: Bishop of Maidstone's Newsletter Easter 2018. bishopofmaidstone.org. 9 April 2018. March 2018.