Church of St James, Curry Mallet

The Church of St James stands in the village of Curry Mallet in Somerset. Built in the 13th century, it is one of the oldest churches in the area. The church has a three-stage tower that rises above the surrounding rooftops. On the stonework outside are carved hunky punks, figures shaped like animals. Inside, visitors find a 15th-century font, a simple stone basin used for baptisms. The church is recognised as a Grade I listed building, placing it among the most important historic structures in the country. It belongs to the Seven Sowers benefice, a group of seven parishes that share the same church leadership. These parishes include Beercrocombe, Hatch Beauchamp and Orchard Portman, all within a few kilometres of Curry Mallet. The deanery of Crewkerne and Ilminster oversees this group of churches. A visit to St James offers a quiet look at medieval craftsmanship. The tower’s stonework shows the skill of 13th-century masons. Inside, the font from the 1400s remains in use after six centuries. The hunky punks on the exterior add a touch of local folklore to the building. The churchyard holds simple graves, linking past and present residents.