| An ancient place of Worship |
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St Andrew's
is the oldest church in Clevedon. Built in the Middle Ages on Saxon foundations
it has been used as a place of Christian worship since Clevedon was a small
fishing village and farming community. Modern developments in the town have
brought a large increase in newer houses all around the church. Today "The Old
Church" remains a lively place of Christian worship with a congregation of
mainly young families.
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The earliest parts of the church, such as the round arch
across the Chancel, are Norman. The Nave, was extended in the thirteenth and
fourteenth centuries in an Early English style before the South Aisle was
extended and the Porch built in the fifteenth century. The once fine Jacobean
Pulpit was altered when the church was extensively repaired and refurbished in
the nineteenth century. The present layout was completed in 1904.
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One of the finest features of the church is the carved
screen behind the Altar Table, called a Reredos. It shows the risen Christ
sharing bread and wine with two friends from Emmaus. It reminds us that Jesus
not only died that we might know God but also that he is alive and meets with
us today.
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Two
Mediaeval Sanctuary rings are hidden behind the Victorian Choir Stalls. They
show the church has always been a place of safety and care.
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The hole, called a Squint, cut through the pillar in the
St Thomas Chapel allows people to see what is happening. The church is there to
let people see Jesus. You will find the story of Jesus told not only in words
but in stained glass, carvings and in the modern banners that beautify the
building.
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The chapel also contains many memorials to members of the Hallam
and Elton families of Clevedon Court, including the monument to young Arthur
Hallam whose death inspired Tennyson's famous poem, "In Memoriam".
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Together
with the many stones in the graveyard the monuments in church testify that we
believe that those who die in the faith of Christ are not lost but live in the
eternal presence of God.
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The Parish Registers go back as far as 1727. The older
Registers, at least before 1900, are on loan to the County Archives Dept. at
Taunton, where there are better facilities for preservation.
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County
Archives
Service |
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