Church of St Michael the Archangel, Compton Martin

The Church of St Michael the Archangel is a stone building with Norman vaulting in the chancel, an aisled nave, and a tower reaching 70 feet. The tower contains six bells cast at different times and dominates the center of the village.

Construction began in 1101 when William FitzWalter funded the Norman design that shaped the building's core structure. The church has evolved over centuries with additions and changes that reflect different architectural periods.

The church serves as the heart of the local community, hosting regular services, weddings, and baptisms that bring people together. It remains a focal point where villagers gather for both spiritual occasions and social connections.

The building sits on elevated ground in the village center and is easy to find from any direction. Access is straightforward from the main road, and the location offers plenty of space to park and explore the surrounding grounds.

A medieval columbarium above the chancel housed around 140 pigeons in 1606 and is now home to an unexpected inhabitant. The old structure has become a roost for seven different bat species, giving the space an ecological role few would guess.

Location: Compton Martin

Inception: 12 century

GPS coordinates: 51.31028,-2.65416

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:06