Church of St Mary, Abbas and Templecombe, Medieval church in Abbas and Templecombe, England.
The Church of St Mary is a stone building featuring a two-section chancel and a four-section nave with simple clay tile roofs. It sits on Church Hill along the A357 and contains six bells in its tower, ranging in age from the 1420s to the late 1800s.
The building was established in the 12th century during the time of the Knights Templar in the region. In the 19th century it underwent major Victorian restoration work, including complete reconstruction of the chancel area.
The church serves as a gathering place for three neighboring parishes and hosts regular worship services and community events throughout the year. Visitors can observe how this building remains central to local religious life and social connections.
The location is easily accessible via the A357 and sits on a hillside, making it simple to spot from the road. Keep in mind this remains an active place of worship, so visits should be planned with respect for service times and community use.
A rare 13th-century painted image of Christ's head was found in 1945 hidden in a local roof structure, creating an unexpected link to the site's medieval Templar past. This discovery remains one of the church's most intriguing connections to its historical roots.
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