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

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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

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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

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References

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  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.