Church of St Mary, Bishops Lydeard

St Mary Church is a medieval parish building constructed of red sandstone, featuring a tall four-stage tower decorated with battlements, pinnacles, and intricate Gothic stone tracery across its walls. The interior contains eight bells housed within the tower structure.

The north arcade dates from the 13th century, while the main building was constructed around 1450 using stone from the local area. This building period reflects how the church developed through medieval craftsmanship over several generations.

The rood screen from the 16th century displays detailed carvings showing religious scenes and sacred texts. These ornaments reveal how faith was expressed through skilled craftsmanship during that period.

The church is typically open to visitors on certain days, so it helps to check availability before visiting. The village setting provides straightforward access without significant barriers to exploring the building.

The wooden bench ends feature carved designs showing a pelican, windmill, sailing ship, and botanical patterns carved into the wood. These hand-crafted details tell stories of everyday life and symbolic meaning from centuries past.

Location: Bishops Lydeard

Inception: 14 century

GPS coordinates: 51.06110,-3.18868

Latest update: December 7, 2025 20:47