Church of St Michael and All Angels, Somerton

The Church of St Michael and All Angels is a medieval parish church with an elaborately carved wooden roof featuring around 640 quatrefoil panels and pairs of dragons. The interior also includes a Jacobean-era pulpit and altar table among other detailed wooden pieces.

The church building dates from 1201, but gained importance around 1140 when Empress Maud granted permission to elevate it from a daughter church to a parish church with burial rights. This change in status shaped its role in the community.

The interior woodwork shows local craftsmanship through a Jacobean-era pulpit, altar table, and carved ceiling created by skilled artisans. These pieces shape how the space looks and feels when you walk through it.

The church is best reached on foot and sits in the center of Somerton village where parking is limited. It is worth checking opening times beforehand as access can vary depending on services and events.

The roof timbers bear bullet holes from 1646 when soldiers camped in the building before the Battle of Langport. These visible marks show how the church was directly caught up in events during the English Civil War.