Church of St Augustine, West Monkton

The Church of St Augustine stands in the village of West Monkton, Somerset. Built in the 13th century, it is one of the oldest parish churches in the area. The church has a tall, slender tower rising 27 metres without pinnacles or ornate tracery. Nikolaus Pevsner suggests the tower may be older than others nearby, possibly dating to 1300. A tower arch from an earlier building survives within the structure. The churchyard contains a small but striking set of stocks and a whipping post under a protective canopy. The church’s simple design contrasts with the more elaborate medieval towers of Taunton’s churches. Its austere appearance reflects an earlier phase of church architecture. The Grade I listing recognises its historical and architectural importance. The tower’s four storeys rise without decorative flourishes, giving it a plain but dignified look. Pevsner’s observation places the tower among the region’s earliest surviving examples. Inside, visitors find a quiet space with a sense of long-standing worship. The tower arch hints at the building’s layered history. The churchyard’s stocks and post stand as reminders of past discipline. The surrounding village offers a peaceful setting away from busier towns. The church remains a place where history can be felt in every stone.