St Mary's Church, Acton Burnell

St Mary's Church in Acton Burnell is a Gothic sandstone building with tiled roofs, consisting of a ten-bay nave, a north porch, and a five-bay chancel with transepts. The chancel windows feature Purbeck marble shafts, and the church contains a large double piscina, a specialized basin used for washing sacred vessels.

The church was built between 1275 and 1280 under the patronage of Robert Burnell, who later became Lord Chancellor of England and Bishop of Bath and Wells. This construction reflects the family's importance and has shaped the village for seven centuries.

The church displays medieval floor tiles in the north transept that show the craftsmanship of that era. The octagonal font from the 13th century is a typical example of how English parish churches were furnished at the time.

Visitors can find street parking nearby and secure bike storage for their bicycles. The church has accessible toilets, making it more convenient for people with different needs.

The chancel features a notably large double piscina with ornate details, showing how carefully the ritual of vessel washing was performed in this period. Such oversized liturgical equipment is rarely found in parish churches.

Location: Acton Burnell

Inception: 1250

Architectural style: English Gothic architecture

Website: http://achurchnearyou.com/acton-burnell-st-mary

GPS coordinates: 52.61310,-2.69030

Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:21