Parish Church of St Nicholas, Combe St Nicholas скачать в хорошем качестве

Parish Church of St Nicholas, Combe St Nicholas

The first church in Combe is thought to have been founded by Queen Aelfthryth in 970 AD. She was the daughter of Ordgar, Ealdorman of Devon, second wife of King Edgar and mother of Aethelred “the Unready”. The only part of this church still existing is the font near the south porch. In 1170 a second, Norman, building was founded by Giso, Bishop of Bath. This building survived for only some 60 years. Again, all that remains is the Norman pillar near the north porch. The dedication of the first and second churches is not known. In 1239 the third church was dedicated to St Nicholas by the Bishop of Waterford in the presence of Bishop Jocelin of Bath. Part of this building can be seen in the lower part of the stonework of the chancel and the lower part of the tower. In the middle of the 15th century the church was enlarged and partly rebuilt. The north and south aisles were added; the nave arcade. the rood screen and the two external turrets were built; and the tower was probably raised to its present height. In 1863 the roof and pews were renewed; the floor was tiled and the aisles extended westwards for bays. The original proposal for this renovation proved too costly. A sketch can be seen on the south west wall. It shows the rood screen in its original position. In the 20th and 21st centuries, some pews were removed from the aisles and from both ends of the nave. In 2011, a servery was installed at the west end of the north aisle. Most of the effort today is directed towards the maintenance and preservation of this beautiful and fascinating church, so enabling future generations to continue the worship of God within its walls. The Nave; The arcade consists of five bays. These are made of Ham Hill stone in traditional design. It is interesting to note that in the 15th century construction the Norman pillar was retained, even though it was of a different stone and awkwardly placed for the new structure. It may still be seen within the pillar next to the north porch. The image carved on the pillar appears to be a representation of the Green Man, a medieval image usually found in churches. The arch at the west end of the nave dates from the Early English building of 1239. The pitch pine pews and the roof were renewed during the Victorian renovations of 1863. A sandstone font, probably pre-Conquest, may be found near the south door. It is a circular, monolithic, hollowed stone bowl with a large circular drain. The top is badly worn, apparently by knife-sharpening. The Tower; There is a peal of six bells. They were re-hung in 1954 to commemorate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II and were refurbished and re-hung again in 1993. Treble: 29 ½” diam. By Taylors of Loughborough, Inscribed "To the Glory of God, the gift of James Coate”. 1906. Weight 5½ cwt. To D. 2nd: 32½” diam. By Thomas Bayley of Bridgwater. "My sound is good, my shape is neat 'twas Bayley made me so compleat". Weight 61/4 cwt. To C. 3rd: 32½” diam. Origin unknown. Recast by John Warner of London, 1876. Formerly inscribed “God save the church 1724. Mr Joel Smith. Mr John Tratt. Churchwardens. Tho Wroth fecit”. Weight 71/4 cwt. To Bb. 4th: 35½” diam. By Thomas Bayley of Bridgwater. Inscribed "Good ringing yields health and delight. J_Smethersham. Churchwarden". 1760. Weight 71/4 cwt. To A. 5th: 381/4” diam. By Robert Semson (R.S) of Ash Priors. "Ave Maria Gracia Plena” early 16th century. Weight 91/2 cwt. To G. Tenor: 43” diam. By George Purdew. "Draw neare to God. 1613. G.P”. Weight 133/4 cwt. To F. The lower stage with its diagonal buttresses and lancet windows was built in 1239. It was during the 15th century building extensions that it was probably raised to its present height of 60 feet. The clock was made by John Baker of South Petherton and bought second-hand in 1845 for £36. Its chimes were restored in 1983 and electric winding installed by public subscription in 2010. The North and South Aisles; These were constructed during the 15th century enlargement and were then extended westwards by further bays to their present size in 1863. The eastern end of each aisle was made into a chapel. Squints (apertures in the masonry) were cut so that the chapel altars could be seen from the nave. This is an unusual feature: it is a more common arrangement to have the squints going the other way, so that people in the aisles can see the high altar. The chapels were separated from the aisles by the depressed arches and from the choir by paneled arches. The southern chapel, which contains a 15th century piscina, was dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. It is now used as the vestry. The northern one, dedication unknown, now houses the twenty-stop, two-manual organ. At the east end of the north aisle is a 15th century carved stone font on a 20th century plain octagonal base. In the south-west window of the south aisle can be seen a memorial to the late Dr Neville Campbell (1919-1991). More information on wikipedia.