Church of St Mary, West Buckland

St Mary's Church is a medieval parish church in West Buckland featuring a striking three-stage bell tower added in 1509 with diagonal buttresses and crenelated walls. The building also contains other notable architectural elements from its original construction period and later modifications.

The structure was built in the early 1300s on the site of an earlier Norman church that had stood there before. The bell tower was added much later in the early 1500s, showing how the building expanded over the centuries.

The church serves as a gathering place where the local community comes together for weekly worship and celebrations. Its role remains central to how people in the area mark important moments and maintain their faith traditions.

The church sits within easy walking distance from the center of West Buckland and is surrounded by quiet village scenery. Plan your visit on a weekday morning if you prefer a calm atmosphere without many other visitors around.

The church holds a rare Purbeck marble font from 1140, which is nearly two centuries older than the building itself. This precious object survived the rebuilding and provides a fascinating connection to earlier religious practices at this location.

Location: West Buckland

Inception: 13 century

GPS coordinates: 50.97780,-3.17890

Latest update: December 7, 2025 20:46