England
Somerset

Historic Churches in Somerset

See also Abbeys and Monasteries

Bath Abbey    A church built by a dream. In this case the dreamer was Oliver King, Bishop of Bath and Wells, Secretary to Henry VII. It seems the good bishop had a dream of angels climbing a ladder, and a voice said to him, "Let a King restore the church". Accordingly, he had the Norman abbey church pulled down and in 1499 work began on a new cathedral. The chancel and side aisles had been vaulted by the time of the Dissolution of the Monasteries, the tower crossing was completed under Elizabeth, but the nave was not finished until Victorian times. The resulting fan vaulting creates a superb rhythmic unity. Bath, Somerset, England, BA1 1LT Attraction Type: Cathedral Website: Bath Abbey Email: office@bathabbey.org Phone: 01225 422 462 Fax: 1225 429 990 Location map OS ST752 648 Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Bishops Lydeard, St Mary's Church   One of the 'Somerset Towers', a lovely red sandstone church dating to the 14th century. The interior features a fabulously carved and painted 16th century rood screen, a carved Jacobean pulpit, and a collection of attractively carved and painted 1th century benches. Church Street, Bishops Lydeard, Somerset, England, TA4 3AT Attraction Type: Church Location: In the centre of Bishops Lydeard. Limited on street parking nearby. Location map Details of Bishops Lydeard, St Mary's Church OS ST168297 Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Brent Knoll Church   A small Perpendicular parish church famous for its carved bench ends. Three of the bench ends depict the story of an abbot, represented by a fox. In the first panel the abbot preaches to his flock of geese, in the second he is cast in chains, and in the third, the geese hang the fox. This allegory points to the feelings of the villagers towards the church, probably in the form of the powerful Abbot of Glastonbury. The church also features a lovely late Jacobean memorial to John Somerset. Church Lane, Brent Knoll, Somerset, England, TA9 4EE Attraction Type: Church Location: Approaching from the A35, M5(J22), Church Lane is right, up the hill. Limited on-street parking nearby. Location map Details of Brent Knoll Church OS ST335507 Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Culbone, St Beuno's Church    Said to be the smallest parish church in England, seating only 33, St Beuno's can only be reached on foot. The church is sited in a quiet combe looking out to sea. A leper's squint is set into the north wall, a relic of the 16th century when a leper's colony was sited in the nearby woods. The church boasts a Saxon font and carved head that is part-cat, part-man on the north window. Porlock, nr Minehead Culbone, Somerset, England, TA24 Attraction Type: Church Location: No direct vehicle access. Off the A39 at the Culbone Inn, or off the minor road from Porlock to Porlock Weir. Park at the end of the road, then a 1 mile walk. Church is on the South West Coast Path. Location map OS SS844485 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Curry Rivel   A fine Perpendicular church in a pretty village looking down over the Somerset Levels. There are 13th and 14th century tombs in the north chapel, some beautifully carved bench ends from the 14th century, and a lovely Jacobean monument to the Jennings, father and son, in the chancel. Butt Lane, Curry Rivel, Somerset, England, TA10 0HQ Attraction Type: Church Location: Turn up Water Street from the A378, then carry on around to Butt Lane. Small parking area, and easy on street parking. Location map Details of Curry Rivel OS ST391254 Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Wells Cathedral    Wells became a see in 909, and for the next 300 years squabbled with nearby Bath for the position. In the 13th century the quarrel was ended by creating the joint bishopric of Bath and Wells. In the meantime Wells had gained what has been called the earliest completely Gothic cathedral in Europe. The west screen, with places for 300 carved figures, is a striking sight, as is the scissors vault (more properly called strainer arches) that was a 14th century attempt to shore up the shifting foundations of the central tower. Look at the carvings decorating the transepts. One shows a man grimacing with a fearsome toothache. The Wells chapter house is amazing, with its central pier sprouting 32 vaulting ribs, but the staircase to reach it is equally notable; it curves and undulates like flowing water. There is also a 14th century mechanical clock that strikes the hours by having two wooden knights bash each other with battleaxes. Nearby is the Bishop's Palace and the 14th century purpose-built street of houses for the vicars of the cathedral. The ambience is wonderful. Don't miss Wells. Wells, Somerset, England, BA5 2UE Attraction Type: Cathedral Website: Wells Cathedral Email: office@wellscathedral.uk.net Phone: 01749 674 483 Fax: 01749 832 210 Location map Details of Wells Cathedral OS ST551 459 Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering