Church of St Mary, Kingston St Mary

The Church of St Mary stands in the quiet village of Kingston St Mary, Somerset. Built in the 13th century, it is a Grade I listed building with a tower added in the early 16th century. The tower rises 27 metres and features decorative pinnacles and unusual ‘hunky punks’—carved figures that sit on the corners. Unlike gargoyles, these figures serve no practical purpose. The church’s nave and arcades date from the 13th century, while the tower was reroofed in 1952 and restored again in the late 1970s. The church is worth visiting for its historic details and notable figures. The tomb of John de la Warre, the 4th Earl De La Warr, dominates the south aisle. He fought at the Battle of Poitiers in 1356, and his tomb is made from Purbeck Marble. The interior also includes a 16th-century font, a pulpit from 1742, and carved bench ends from the 1520s. Stained glass adds colour to the space, and the churchyard holds tombs of the Warre family, who once owned nearby Hestercombe House. Visitors find a peaceful church with strong historical ties. The tower’s height and intricate stonework draw the eye, while the interior offers quiet spaces for reflection. The churchyard provides a glimpse into the past, with family tombs marking generations. The setting remains rural, far from the noise of nearby towns. It is a place where history is preserved in stone and glass.