St Marys Church

About

13Th Century grade one listed church with a fine chequerboard tower. The rood screen is thought to be the prototype for all the other similar screens in this part of the West Country and still has it's original 600 year old paint and gold leaf. The church interior is very beautiful and light. At the rear is a gallery which was installed in 1632. One of the carvings on the front under the organ is of the head of a Native North American Indian. Recent research has now revealed that this is probably the earliest known depiction of an American First Nation person in Great Britain. As you enter the church yard from the lychgate on the left there is a huge Yew Tree. This tree is one of the ancient trees of Britain and over 1,500 years old and known as the Kentisbeare Yew. During the winter the church is normally only open at the weekend . During summertime when the clocks go forward the church is open every day. If locked a notice in the porch will tell you where you can borrow a key.

At a glance

• Typical visit: about 30 minutes