Church of St John the Baptist, Axbridge

The Church of St John the Baptist is an early 15th-century building with a central tower of limestone and decorative Doulting stone elements. The interior displays multi-level wooden ceilings with medieval painted panels and carved details.

An earlier building stood on this site from 1230, but was replaced by the current structure in the early 15th century. Major restoration work in the 19th century stabilized and preserved the building.

The church features carved wooden details called bosses beneath the ceiling, including a distinctive Green Man figure with foliage sprouting from its face. These carvings reflect the creativity of medieval craftspeople who decorated places of worship.

The building sits centrally in Axbridge and is easy to reach; main areas have level access and are straightforward to explore. Visitors should take time to look at ceiling and wall details, which are best seen in daylight.

A local craftsman created the blue and white plasterwork ceiling in the nave in 1636 for ten guineas, an unusually documented fee for such work. This decorative scheme remains intact today and reveals the skill of local artisans from that era.

Location: Axbridge

Inception: 13 century

GPS coordinates: 51.28770,-2.81660

Latest update: December 8, 2025 20:00