Church of St Michael, Shepton Beauchamp, Medieval church in Shepton Beauchamp, England
The Church of St Michael is a medieval parish church built from lias and Ham stone in different hues. It features a nave, chancel, north chapel, vestry, and a three-stage west tower that dominates the village skyline.
The church was established in 1201 and its west tower was constructed in 1477. In the following century, buttresses and parapets were added to strengthen and protect the tower.
The tower holds eight bells, with several cast by the Bilbie family, and displays clocks with Roman numerals on two sides. These bells ring out across the village and mark time for the community.
The church sits on a slight rise above the village centre and is easily reached on foot. The exterior provides clear views of the architectural features, particularly the tower decorations and bell-chamber windows.
The building features carved gargoyles and two-light tracery windows in the bell chamber fitted with stone grilles. A polygonal stair tower at the north corner adds an unusual architectural element to the design.
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