Looking at Buildings

The Knights Templar built an oval church here c.1150. They were suppressed in 1312, and the church was then rebuilt on rectangular plan; the naveGlossary Term [2] arcadeGlossary Term [3] and parts of the east end are of that date. The major feature is the dramatically leaning TOWER; two stages of c.1390 quickly began to subside. Another stage was added c.1460, with two fretted Somerset belfryGlossary Term [4] lights. The lean was corrected, the changed angle visible from the south. The top now leans west about 1.5m. Without the usual parapetGlossary Term [5] and pinnacles it has a flat top, appearing severe and monumental. At the tower baseGlossary Term [6] three delicate Perp. statue niches and BaroqueGlossary Term [7] north-west door with big segmental pedimentGlossary Term [8]. EmbattledGlossary Term [9] north and south aisles with large early Perp. windows. Dec traceried windows in the long chancelGlossary Term [10] with shorter flanking chapels, that of the Weavers' Guild on the north. Early Dec. window above the chancelGlossary Term [11] archGlossary Term [12] and in the south chapel; unusual square headed windows of four cusped lights beneath spheric triangles also c.1310. The big secluded churchyard on the S makes a fine setting.