Our Churches

St Andrew's occupies a prominent position overlooking Blagdon Lake and is listed Grade II*. The magnificent tower is one of the tallest in Somerset, rising 116ft and is believed to date from about 1470.  Inside is an impressive suite of stained glass windows, which date from 1909 when the main body of the church was rebuilt.  Those in the north aisle are based on the Old Testament, the south aisle windows depict the New Testament. 

 

Behind the altar is a dramatic depiction of the Last Supper painted by Oswald Moser, in the style of Caravaggio, very unusually with the figure of Christ facing away from the viewer.  The impressive lychgate has been listed separately by Historic England.

St Hugh's occupies an idyllic and very rural site up on the Mendip Hills. Built about 1908, this roughcast unassuming building hides an interior with a very different feel, with beautiful white oak panelling and a barrel roof.  

 

Overall the design is a classic example of the Arts and Crafts movement, justifying its Historic England Grade II* listing.  On either side behind the altar there are nicely carved statues of King Arthur and St Hugh himself, with his tame swan depicted beside him.  The church holds a beautifully carved miniature stone font which is of particular note.  Within the churchyard there is a good example of a stone cross, sitting on a plinth and with a carved calvary at its top.

"Perhaps the best Norman Parish Church in Somerset", as described by leading architectural historian Nikolaus Pevsner and who are we to disagree?

 

Saint Michael's was built in the early 12th century. Featuring a small mediaeval columbarium to supply pigeons for the priest table! The chancel is remarkably impressive with rib vaulted bays, including Chevron decoration. There is an interesting "odd" pillar which is of a Barley sugar twist and very fine beading. And, most unusually, the village has its own saint! St Wulfric who was born in the village around the time of the Doomsday Book.

 

Today, in this small vibrant village, we hold regular services and monthly (free) drop in tea, coffee and cake events.

​The church originates from the twelfth century and is located close to the village primary school and our community owned pub. It has fine wall paintings and stained glass and the churchyard, managed by our local environment group, is a haven for people and wildlife.

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Our school is at home in the church, regularly using it for worship, assemblies and other activities and a variety of community events are hosted there.

The small village of Hinton Blewett is sited on high ground at the foot of the Mendip Hills.

 

St Margaret’s Church dates from the Fourteenth Century and built on the site of a Norman building. It is of unique interest and built by the early members of the Bluet family who appeared in the reign of Edward II (1307-1326) and who held the manor. 

​St Bartholomew’s Church lies at the heart of village life, as it has done for 900 years.

 

The beautiful small church remains a place of regular worship and prayer; where residents of Ubley can mark major life events or simply drop in and reflect on life; where children from Ubley school can celebrate important school events and where our village community can come together and meet during the Saturday Cafes or weekday lunches.

St Mary’s Church occupies a prominent position at the centre of West Harptree, the spire visible on all approaches to the village.  Listed Grade II*, the tower dates from the 12th Century and contains 4 bells, 3 of which were cast at the Bilbie Foundry in Chew Stoke between 1729 and 1778.  The broach spire, a rarity in the Diocese of Bath & Wells, was probably added in the 13th century.  There is evidence of Norman craftsmanship around the North door.  The only other antiquity in the church is a collection of 10 mediaeval portrait busts, 8 of which serve as corbels supporting the roof beams.  The porch and aisle were constructed in the 15th century.  The organ was built for the church in 1891 by William Sweetland of Bath and has been awarded a Grade II Historical Organ certificate. 

 

The closed churchyard, containing 8 fine yew trees, one of which is reputed to be over 600 years old, is maintained by Bath & North East Somerset Council. 

 

St Mary’s remains a regular place of worship, holding monthly services in addition to life event services and occasional concerts and other events.  It is open daily for private prayer and quiet contemplation.