Church of St Mary, Abbas and Templecombe

The Church of St Mary displays a combination of local stone and Ham stone ashlar dressings, featuring a two-bay chancel and a four-bay nave with plain clay tile roofs.

Founded in the 12th century during the Knights Templar era, the church underwent significant Victorian restoration in the 19th century, including the complete rebuilding of the chancel.

The church holds regular services and community gatherings, serving three parishes: Abbas and Templecombe, Henstridge, and Horsington with various religious ceremonies throughout the year.

Located on Church Hill along the A357 in Templecombe, the church maintains six bells in its tower, with the oldest dating from 1420 and the most recent from 1891.

A 13th-century painting of Christ's head, discovered in 1945 in a local outhouse roof, connects the church to its Knights Templar origins through religious iconography.

Location: Abbas and Templecombe

GPS coordinates: 51.00280,-2.41667

Latest update: March 9, 2025 10:23