Church of St John the Baptist

The Church of St John the Baptist stands in Chilcompton, a village in Somerset. Built in the 15th century, it is an Anglican church with a Grade II* listing. The earliest record of a church on this site dates to 1188, when it was given to Wells Cathedral. The tower, added around 1460, is a two-stage structure with battlements and holds twelve bells. Jesse Gane completed the nave and aisles in 1839, while Frederick Bligh Bond finished the chancel and chapels in 1897 as part of a Victorian restoration. A modern enclosed structure now connects the church to the parish hall. The church is worth visiting for its architectural layers and historical significance. Its tower and bells are notable features from the 15th century, while the 19th-century additions reflect the Gothic revival style. The church’s inclusion on the Heritage at Risk Register in 2015 highlights its cultural importance despite conservation challenges. The united benefice with Saint Vigor at Stratton-on-the-Fosse shows its ongoing role in the local community. The Diocese of Bath and Wells oversees its maintenance and heritage status. Inside, visitors find a spacious nave with aisles and a restored chancel flanked by chapels. The tower’s twelve bells remain a focal point, though their use is now limited. The modern link to the parish hall provides practical access while preserving the church’s historic fabric. The surrounding village of Chilcompton adds to the visit with its quiet, rural setting. The church’s history, from medieval origins to Victorian restoration, offers a glimpse into Somerset’s ecclesiastical past.