Church of St Mary Magdalene, Great Elm, church in Great Elm, Somerset, UK
Church of St Mary Magdalene in Great Elm is a stone structure dating to the 12th century, featuring herringbone masonry walls and a substantial saddle-backed tower built around 1240. Inside are Jacobean pews, stained glass windows, a painted pine gallery, and decorative carved doorways with dog-tooth stonework from the medieval period.
The church was founded in the 12th century and expanded in the 13th century with a longer nave and the distinctive saddle-backed tower. Over the centuries it has been maintained and repaired, preserving its Norman origins while showing modifications from later periods.
The church serves as the heart of Great Elm village, used by the community for worship, weddings, and celebrations. The Jacobean pews and painted gallery reflect how generations have gathered together in this space for prayer and important occasions.
The church is located in the village of Great Elm and can be easily found using online maps. Contact the church directly for visiting hours and service times, as these are not always listed online.
A small carved mass dial can be found on the church wall, an ancient timekeeping device used before clocks were common to indicate when services should begin based on the sun's position. This rare medieval feature shows how the community once relied on the sun to know the time of day.
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