Church of the Holy Cross, Babcary

The Anglican Church of the Holy Cross in Babcary, Somerset, England, was built in the 14th century. It is a Grade II* listed building.[1]

Church of the Holy Cross
LocationBabcary, Somerset, England
Coordinates51°03′24″N 2°37′38″W / 51.0566°N 2.6271°W / 51.0566; -2.6271
Built14th century
Listed Building – Grade II*
Official nameChurch of the Holy Cross
Designated17 April 1959[1]
Reference no.1277940
Church of the Holy Cross, Babcary is located in Somerset
Church of the Holy Cross, Babcary
Location of Church of the Holy Cross in Somerset

History edit

The Church of the Holy Cross had its origins before the Norman Conquest, with a church being recorded in 1200.[2] The fabric dates from the 14th and 15th centuries with the chancel and north aisle being added in the 19th century by Benjamin Ferrey in 1875–76.[3] Further restoration was undertaken in the 1950s.[2]

In 1764 James Woodforde, the author of The Diary of a Country Parson, was the curate at Babcary. He records playing (and winning) a game of "fives" against the church wall.[4]

The parish is part of the Six Pilgrims benefice within the Diocese of Bath and Wells.[5]

Architecture edit

The stone building has stone slate roofs. It consists of a two-bay chancel and three-bay nave with a north aisle.[1] The three-stage tower is supported by corner buttresses.[1] The tower contains six bells, the tenor wieghing 12cwt, the oldest (No.3) is dated 1611 and one bell dating from 1753 was made by Thomas Bilbie of the Bilbie family.[6]

Inside the church are a 14th-century font and octagonal pulpit dating from 1632.[1]

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ a b c d e Historic England. "Church of the Holy Cross (1277940)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 12 January 2018.
  2. ^ a b "Babcary Pages 101-121 A History of the County of Somerset: Volume 10". British History Online. Victoria County History. Retrieved 12 January 2018.
  3. ^ Historic England. "Church of the Holy Cross (1277940)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 5 October 2007.
  4. ^ Woodforde, James (2011). The Diary of a Country Parson, 1758-1802. Hymns Ancient and Modern. p. 18. ISBN 9781853113116.
  5. ^ "Holy Cross". A Church Near You. Church of England. Retrieved 12 January 2018.
  6. ^ Moore, James; Rice, Roy; Hucker, Ernest (1995). Bilbie and the Chew Valley clock makers. The authors. ISBN 0-9526702-0-8.