Church of St Giles, Leigh-on-Mendip

The Church of St Giles is a medieval parish church in Leigh-on-Mendip with a tower rising to about 28 meters, completed in 1464. The interior shows an elaborate nave roof with wood panelling and ornate chancel trusses that display the craftsmanship of its era.

The building started as a small chapel in the 13th century to serve locals who lived far from the parish church of Mells. Between the 14th and 15th centuries it grew into a substantial structure, with the tower becoming a defining landmark of the village.

The nave roof rests on stone angel figures carved with care, creating a sense of spiritual craftsmanship that visitors notice immediately when they enter. These sculptures represent the devotion that shaped this building over centuries.

The church welcomes visitors during typical visiting hours and continues to serve its community through regular religious services. It's worth checking ahead about access times, as services and special events may affect when you can walk through.

The tower holds an 18th-century clock that marks time solely by ringing bells on the hour, with no visible face to read. This unusual system made sense in an era when many people could not read a clock dial.

Location: Leigh upon Mendip

Inception: 14 century

GPS coordinates: 51.22390,-2.44160

Latest update: December 8, 2025 20:02