Church of St Mary, Woolavington

The Church of St Mary stands in the small village of Woolavington in Somerset. Built in the 11th century, it is one of the oldest churches in the area and holds Grade I listed status. The present structure may have been started around 1154 by Maud and Philip Columber, who were the local lords at the time. In the 14th century, the chancel was added and the tower begun. By 1285, a separate chapel in the churchyard housed three chantries, and another chapel was added in 1441. The church has strong historical ties to nearby religious sites. In the early 12th century, it was granted to Goldcliff Priory in Monmouthshire by Robert de Chandos, then lord of Woolavington. Later, in the 15th century, it passed into the care of the canons of Windsor. The tower, rebuilt in the 17th century, contains a peal of eight bells, the oldest dating to 1400. Inside, visitors find a 15th-century pulpit and oak panels, along with a memorial stone for Sir John Hody, a 15th-century judge. The church remains an active part of the community. It belongs to the benefice of Woolavington with Cossington and Bawdrip, within the Sedgemoor deanery. The building’s simple stone walls and ancient fittings offer a quiet space for reflection. Its Grade I listing recognises its national importance as a surviving medieval church. The village around it is small and unspoiled, making the church a peaceful place to visit.