Church of St Vigor, Stratton-on-the-Fosse

The Church of St Vigor stands in the village of Stratton-on-the-Fosse in Somerset. Built in the 12th century, it is one of only two English churches dedicated to the French bishop and missionary Saint Vigor. The church became a Grade I listed building, recognising its historical importance. After the Norman Conquest, the cult of Saint Vigor spread from France to England. Geoffrey de Montbray, Bishop of Coutances and lord of the manor, founded the original Norman church. The church preserves traces of its Norman origins in the south doorway, chancel arch and font. The pulpit and chancel date from the 14th century, while medieval stained glass fragments survive within later windows. Damage during the English Civil War may explain why some medieval glass was later incorporated into new windows. The Long chapel was added in 1782, funded by the Long family. A war grave in the churchyard remembers a soldier from the Somerset Light Infantry who died in the Second World War. Visitors find a quiet church set in a small village churchyard. The south doorway and chancel arch show the craftsmanship of the 12th century. The 14th-century pulpit and chancel remain in use for services. Fragments of medieval stained glass catch the light in the windows. The Long chapel extends the building on the north side. The war grave stands among simple headstones, marking a recent sacrifice. The church shares its parish with St John’s in nearby Chilcompton.