STAPLEGROVE AND NORTON FITZWARREN
StaplegroveandNorton
The Benefice of Staplegrove with Norton Fitzwarren consists of two churches working together with a common purpose and shared vision. We are here to worship God - Father, Son and Holy Spirit - and to serve our local communities. We are part of the wider Christian community in Taunton and the Diocese of Bath and Wells in the Church of England.
ST JOHN'S CHURCH, STAPLEGROVE
St John's Church dates back to the thirteenth century and lies at the heart of the historic village of Staplegrove on the outskirts of Taunton. We are a devoted and active Christian community with an ancient building which has recently benefited from a major re-ordering in 2017: flexible seating, a light feel, toilet and kitchen facilities and even a heated floor!
The church of St John the Evangelist in Staplegrove dates back to the 13th century and although there has been much restoration, especially during the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries, a significant amount of the early stonework remains.
Inside the church among the most interesting features is the east window, above the altar. The centre light depicts the Crucifixion of Christ, flanked by scenes of Gethsemane and the Empty Tomb. Beneath these is depicted the Emmaus Supper. On the south side of the nave, as you enter the church, is the Millennium window. Funded by public subscription, and made by Henry Haig in 2000, this celebrates the continuing revelation of God, and marks the beginning of the 3rd Christian Millennium.
The tower, with its ancient gargoyles, is 13th century. It houses a peal of six bells, four of which, including the 12cwt tenor, are dated 1608, one is dated 1653 and one commemorates the Silver Jubilee of King George V in May 1935. Over the door of the tower is a clock commemorating the Silver Jubilee of HM Queen Elizabeth II in 1977.
ALL SAINTS', NORTON FITZWARREN
All Saints' Church has been a central part of the local community for centuries. We are privileged to be custodians of a historic building and picturesque churchyard and we enjoy strong relationships with our neighbouring primary school and the village hall.
We are situated in the north-west corner of Taunton and just beyond the edge of the town. We are part of the Benefice of St. John's Staplegrove, with All Saints', Fitzwarren. Our Churches enjoy very good links with Staplegrove Church School and Norton Fitzwarren Church School.
The Church of All Saints dates from the late 13th and early 14th century, it is the centre of the village of Norton Fitzwarren. The Church has a late 13th century tower made of squared and coursed sandstone with ham stone dressings.
Inside the Church there is a very handsome 3:5 bay rood screen with double doors. It is long, relatively low, fan vaulted and canopied, adorned with long projecting cornices to hold the loft. In the nave there are several fine, richly carved bench ends. The stained glass windows depict the Saints such as St Anne, St Anna, St George and St Wilfrid.
The south-west corner of the churchyard is said to have been a burying ground for gypsies
All Saints' Church has formed strong links with the Royal Marines at Norton Manor Camp holding Candlelight services before, during and after operational deployments and as a solace to families and the local community of Norton Fitzwarren.
BENEFICE OFFICE
Our office is situated in the Reading Room at the Village Hall in Norton Fitzwarren and is open and supervised on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays 10-12.
You can drop in for a chat or make an appointment to see our clergy. Why not take the opportunity to visit the Skittles Coffee Shop at the same time in the hall itself?
Our office is also used for meetings and other activities throughout the week. We also have a selection of books and jigsaws which can be exchanged or borrowed.