St Mary

Superb high Victorian church in the local ham stone with a fascinating severe saddleback tower and much stained glass by Ward & Hughes.

West Chinnock, Somerset

Opening times

The church is open every day, typically between 9am and 4pm.

Address

Higher Street
West Chinnock
Somerset
TA18 7QA

A place of worship has stood on this site for many centuries although there are no records of the earliest buildings. The present church was built in 1889-90 and this uses much of the building stone of the earlier church and incorporates a 13th century lancet window in the north wall of the chancel. The list of Rectors starts from 1293.

The building was described as a chapel in a will of 1519 when it was attached to the living of Chiselborough. In 1889 the church was demolished and a larger building was erected. The tower was rebuilt a few yards to the west and a belfry added under a 60 feet high saddleback tower.

The interior of the new church was designed in imitation of 13th century church architecture. Many of the memorials in the church refer to members of the Hayward and Ford families. Richard Hayward, sailcloth manufacturer and Mrs Sarah Woodcock (nee Ford) were the principal donors towards the cost of rebuilding. The new church was opened at a service conducted by the Bishop of Bath & Wells on Thursday 24th July 1890. The architect of the church was Charles Kirk of Lincolnshire, the son in law of Richard Hayward; the builder was Charles Trask of Norton sub Hamdon, who used stone from his quarry on Ham Hill.

Much of the stained glass is by the important stained glass makers Ward & Hughes. 

  • Captivating architecture

  • Spectacular stained glass

  • Accessible toilets in church

  • Level access to the main areas

  • On street parking at church

  • Ramp or level access available on request

  • Church of England

  • Community Grant, £8,000, 2018

  • Our Community Grants helped churches to install essential facilities such as toilets and kitchens.

Contact information

Other nearby churches

St Mary the Virgin

Stoke sub Hamdon, Somerset

St Mary's is built of the local, golden Ham stone, and has features from the 12th century to the 20th.