St Mary's Church

ST MARY THE VIRGIN

St Mary the Virgin, Isle Abbotts, is a Grade 1 listed church which boasts one of the finest towers in Somerset. The church dates from around 1300 when the nave, chancel and the main structure of the south porch were built. The tower was added later, between 1510 and 1520, is approx. 80ft. high and has near perfect proportions and decorations. It faces Church Street and is built of blue lias limestone, balanced by golden Ham stone for the decorative detail.

The west side of the tower has transomed windows flanked with pinnacles and niches. The other sides are simpler, but still with pinnacles and niches, and above ground level the niches retain their original statues, which is a great rarity in a parish church.

The entrance to the church is through a lovely porch which has a stoup with 14th century detailing and a splendid fan vault ceiling which was added at a later date. The damage caused to the south porch by continuous water ingress over many years was repaired and the area cleaned and preserved for generations to come. Facilitated by a grant from Historic England and contributions from the community, this vital work was completed during Summer 2021.

The clear glass inside the church makes the most of the architecture particularly the beautiful north aisle with its late Perpendicular arcade and its panelled Tudor roof. The chancel retains its 14th century windows below which sits a large and elaborately panelled piscina worthy of a cathedral, as is the elegantly flowing sedilia of three seats.

The nave has its original mediaeval bench ends with elegant tracery panel decoration, the original 14th century roof and a Jacobean pulpit

The Church is open daily throughout the year.

Summer 8.30am to 5.30pm

Winter 8.30am to dusk

Visitors are welcome to join the congregation if services are in progress.

We welcome groups (max. 30) and can offer guided tours of the church including the ringing chamber and tower.
Refreshments for group tours can be arranged if required.

Please contact Mr Anthony Habberfield (churchwarden) for more information
E-mail tony.habberfield007@gmail.com.