St Mary's Church, Chedzoy Explained

Church of St Mary
Location Town:Chedzoy
Location Country:England
Completion Date:13th century
Map Type:Somerset
Coordinates:51.1345°N -2.9429°W

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]

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 monumental 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 in 1685, 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]

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Notes and References

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