St Mary's Church, Saltford
Encyclopedia
St Mary's Church is an Anglican parish church in Saltford
, Somerset
, England. It dates from the 12th century or earlier and has been designated as a Grade II listed building.
with an authentic Norman Font
still used for christenings today. It was taken away and defaced during the Battle of Lansdown during the English Civil War
. It was subsequently found being used as a cattle trough. The rector at the time was never seen again. The tower is believed to be Saxon although 10 feet (3 m) have been added and extensively repaired. Originally there were three bells dated 1820, although only one remains and still used. The gallery & porch are 19th Century and is where the organ is. More recently, a window has been added in memorial of the choirmaster for 10 years; Mr. T.C.G. Ewins.
& The Holy Trinity in Newton St Loe. , as well as the Diocese of Bath & Wells and the Deanery of Chew Magna
Saltford
Saltford is a large village and civil parish in the Bath and North East Somerset unitary authority, Somerset, England. It lies between the cities of Bristol and Bath....
, Somerset
Somerset
The ceremonial and non-metropolitan county of Somerset in South West England borders Bristol and Gloucestershire to the north, Wiltshire to the east, Dorset to the south-east, and Devon to the south-west. It is partly bounded to the north and west by the Bristol Channel and the estuary of the...
, England. It dates from the 12th century or earlier and has been designated as a Grade II listed building.
History
This church has stood in the village of Saltford for over a thousand years. It is believed to be NormanNorman architecture
About|Romanesque architecture, primarily English|other buildings in Normandy|Architecture of Normandy.File:Durham Cathedral. Nave by James Valentine c.1890.jpg|thumb|200px|The nave of Durham Cathedral demonstrates the characteristic round arched style, though use of shallow pointed arches above the...
with an authentic Norman Font
Baptismal font
A baptismal font is an article of church furniture or a fixture used for the baptism of children and adults.-Aspersion and affusion fonts:...
still used for christenings today. It was taken away and defaced during the Battle of Lansdown during the English Civil War
English Civil War
The English Civil War was a series of armed conflicts and political machinations between Parliamentarians and Royalists...
. It was subsequently found being used as a cattle trough. The rector at the time was never seen again. The tower is believed to be Saxon although 10 feet (3 m) have been added and extensively repaired. Originally there were three bells dated 1820, although only one remains and still used. The gallery & porch are 19th Century and is where the organ is. More recently, a window has been added in memorial of the choirmaster for 10 years; Mr. T.C.G. Ewins.
Current Information & Groups
The current reverend is Revd. Richard Hall and has been reverend there since 1988. The church has many youth groups and other resident groups & iniatives. For 3-7 year olds; Climbers & Scramblers runs in the Church Hall during Parish Communion Services, as well as Explorers for 7-11 year olds and Pathfinders for 11-14 year olds. CYFA meet on Thursday evenings for teenagers 14+. The Choir is plentiful in numbers and sings at most Parish Communion. . The church holds close links with Saltford Church of England Primary School, where the reverend does Assembly every Monday Afternoon.The Church Hall
The former village school has been converted into a Church Hall, with a spacious Main Hall, full kitchen facilities and 3 different smaller rooms. Local Groups hire these rooms; with revenue going to the church.The Benefice, Deaney & Diocese
Saltford is part of the Benefice of Saltford, All Saints Church, CorstonCorston, Somerset
Corston is a small village and civil parish close to the River Avon and the A4 road in the Bath and North East Somerset unitary authority, Somerset, England...
& The Holy Trinity in Newton St Loe. , as well as the Diocese of Bath & Wells and the Deanery of Chew Magna