Church of St Mary the Virgin, Westonzoyland

The Church of St Mary the Virgin stands in the quiet Somerset village of Westonzoyland. Built in the 13th century, it is one of England’s most important churches, protected as a Grade I listed building. The church’s 15th-century timber roof is finely carved and still holds its shape after centuries. After the Battle of Sedgemoor it became a temporary prison for about 500 soldiers. The tower, added around 1470, rises in four stages with embattled parapets and carved dragon figures called hunky punks. The church is linked to Hugh Inge, vicar here from 1508, who later became Bishop of Meath, Archbishop of Dublin and Lord Chancellor of Ireland. Six bells hang in the tower, rung for services and local events. In the 1930s the roof was restored through public donations and work by architect W. D. Caroe. A memorial corner remembers local airmen who died in the First World War and early post-war years. Inside, the nave and aisles show simple medieval lines. The dragon carvings on the tower corners face the surrounding fields. The current vicar is Reverend Dr Jane Sutton, leading a parish that includes nearby Chedzoy. The church belongs to the Diocese of Bath and Wells, standing at the heart of village life.