St Thomas of Canterbury
Cothelstone, Somerset
This small parish church sits in a cluster with Cothelstone Manor, two very old cottages and the farm at the foot of the Quantock Hills National Landscape in West Somerset.
St Mary the Virgin is one of the finest historic churches in Somerset and presents a beautiful picture with its tall rose coloured 14th century Perpendicular tower. The tower rises in four stages to battlements and pinnacles.
The interior is just as delightful. The nave comprises four bays in Perpendicular style and it rises to a panelled wagon roof, which leads to the chancel arch and the treasure that lies beneath it.
The medieval rood screen is a gem that is made up of carved panels and colourful painted sections. The Apostle's Creed is spelt out in Latin at the top of the screen.
The Jacobean pulpit is also elaborately carved and painted as are the bench ends. The pew carvings include a wide manner of subjects; a pelican, birds, trees, a coat of arms, foliage, a windmill and a sailing ship. The font also contains exquisite carved rosettes about its Perpendicular octagonal bowl.
Together with interesting memorials, which includes a rather fun brass of Nicholas Grobham dated to 1585, of a boy blowing bubbles, this is a must visit church.