Nominal: 1572.5 Hz Weight: 254 lbs Diameter: 22" Bell 1 of 6
Founded by Whitechapel Bell Foundry 1996
Dove Bell ID: 6677 Tower ID: 10514 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Turnings: unturned Cracked: No
Taunton: St Andrew
Diocese of Bath & Wells
Church, 601552
http://www.standrewstaunton.org.ukOverview
Grid reference: ST 226 256
St Andrew’s was initially consecrated in 1881. It was built in north Taunton, near Taunton’s new railway station, to accommodate the growing population in that part of the town, and is sometimes called the Railway Church. The original building had a nave and two side aisles. Within 10 years, expansion was needed; the original south aisle was replaced with a font aisle and a new south aisle. The Lady Chapel was added and the High Altar extended. The church was re-dedicated in 1893. The church is listed Grade II.
Visiting and facilities
Building is open for worship
Building
Ground Plan Description and Dimensions
Footprint of Church buildings: 795 m²
Description of Archaeology and History
St. Andrew’s was consecrated on 14th July 1881 through the generosity of the Revd. Frederick Jeremiah Smith, the first Vicar of Holy Trinity Church, Taunton, which he had endowed. The church was built to serve the rapidly expanding area of Taunton which served the newly arrived Great Western Railway, and it soon became known as “The Railway Parish”. Much of the housing near the railway was built with its staff in mind.
Exterior Description
Entrance to the church is through the Narthex, which was built in 1893, altered in 1984 and extended in 1993.
When the church was first built it comprised the nave and two side aisles. In 1893 the original south aisle was removed and replaced with a new larger aisle, together with the Lady Chapel.
Interior
Interior Description
The alabaster Font was sculpted by Bridgman of Lichfield in 1893 and is surrounded by plenty of space for baptism parties to stand in comfort. A dove surmounts the beautifully painted domed cover. A small window above in the west wall shows the washing of Naaman the Syrian and the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist.
Along south aisle wall are framed tapestries of the Stations of the Cross which were undertaken as a project by St Andrew’s Banner Group, which no longer operates. Other examples of their work can be seen around the church. They were designed by a former member of the congregation, Val Goodwin, who approached the task in the manner of an icon painter – praying and reflecting on the scriptures before beginning work.
Above this area is the spire which contains a ring of six bells, produced in Whitechapel Bell Foundry in 1996, and dedicated and rung on 21 December 1997.
The Lobby situated on the north side of the Lady Chapel is used for storage and access to the Bell Tower and stairway to the Choir Vestry, storage area (“Tunnel”) and Parish Office downstairs in the former crypt.
The organ was made by J. Walker & Sons, London in 1883. It was rebuilt by George Osmond of Taunton in 1927 and is now maintained by Nicholson Organ Tuners of Malvern. Some restoration work was done in February 2015. The pulpit is of carved oak with a crucifix above it as a reminder, it has been suggested, that “we preach Christ crucified”.
The Nave Altar was installed in 1984 when the interior was reordered with the pews in the south aisle being re-arranged to bring more focus to the altar, the lighting improved, and the floor re-laid.
Behind the altar is the Oak Screen, at the entrance to the Chancel with the crucifix and figures of St. Mary and St. John above. This was erected in 1919 as a memorial to the men from the parish who gave their lives in war.
The Railway Window was produced for St. Andrew's by local artist Clare Maryan Green, and was dedicated by The Rt Revd Peter Price, Bishop of Bath and Wells, on 22 December 2002.
Bells
Nominal: 2642 Hz Weight: 115 lbs Diameter: 15.88" Bell 2 of 6
Founded by Whitechapel Bell Foundry 1996
Dove Bell ID: 42116 Tower ID: 10514 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Turnings: unturned Cracked: No
Nominal: 2352.5 Hz Weight: 122 lbs Diameter: 16.63" Bell 3 of 6
Founded by Whitechapel Bell Foundry 1996
Dove Bell ID: 42117 Tower ID: 10514 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Turnings: unturned Cracked: No
Nominal: 2097.5 Hz Weight: 131 lbs Diameter: 17.38" Bell 4 of 6
Founded by Whitechapel Bell Foundry 1996
Dove Bell ID: 42118 Tower ID: 10514 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Turnings: unturned Cracked: No
Nominal: 1972 Hz Weight: 148 lbs Diameter: 18.13" Bell 5 of 6
Founded by Whitechapel Bell Foundry 1996
Dove Bell ID: 42119 Tower ID: 10514 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Turnings: unturned Cracked: No
Nominal: 1769.5 Hz Weight: 194 lbs Diameter: 20" Bell 6 of 6
Founded by Whitechapel Bell Foundry 1996
Dove Bell ID: 42120 Tower ID: 10514 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Turnings: unturned Cracked: No
Churchyard
Grid reference: ST 226 256
Burial and War Grave Information
It is unknown whether the building is consecrated.
It is unknown whether the churchyard has been used for burial.
It is unknown whether the churchyard is used for burial.
It is unknown whether the churchyard has war graves.
National Heritage record for England designations
There are no records of National Heritage assets within the curtilage of this site.
Environment
Ancient, Veteran & Notable Trees
Caring for God's Acre is a conservation charity working to support groups and individuals to investigate, care for, and enjoy the wildlife and heritage treasures found within churchyards and other burial grounds. Look on their website for information and advice and please contact their staff directly. They can help you manage this churchyard for people and wildlife.
To learn more about all the species recorded against this church, go to the Burial Ground Portal within the NBN Atlas. You can check the spread of records through the years, discovering what has been recorded and when, plus what discoveries might remain to be uncovered.
There are no records of Ancient, Veteran or Notable Trees within the curtilage of this site.
Renewables
| Renewable | Installed |
|---|---|
| Solar PV Panels | No |
| Solar Thermal Panels | No |
| Biomass | No |
| Wind Turbine | No |
| Air Source Heat Pump | No |
| Ground Source Heat Pump | No |
| Ev Charging | No |
Species summary
There are no records of species within the curtilage of this site.
Caring for God's Acre is a conservation charity working to support groups and individuals to investigate, care for, and enjoy the wildlife and heritage treasures found within churchyards and other burial grounds. Look on their website for information and advice and please contact their staff directly. They can help you manage this churchyard for people and wildlife.
To learn more about all the species recorded against this church, go to the Burial Ground Portal within the NBN Atlas. You can check the spread of records through the years, discovering what has been recorded and when, plus what discoveries might remain to be uncovered.
'Seek advice' Species
More information on species and action to be taken upon discovery.
Caring for God's Acre is a conservation charity working to support groups and individuals to investigate, care for, and enjoy the wildlife and heritage treasures found within churchyards and other burial grounds. Look on their website for information and advice and please contact their staff directly. They can help you manage this churchyard for people and wildlife.
To learn more about all the species recorded against this church, go to the Burial Ground Portal within the NBN Atlas. You can check the spread of records through the years, discovering what has been recorded and when, plus what discoveries might remain to be uncovered.
Further information
Quinquennial Inspections
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