Church of St John the Baptist, Carhampton

The Church of St John the Baptist stands in the Somerset village of Carhampton, a Grade I listed Anglican church. The first church on this site was built to the east of the present building and dedicated to St Carannog, a 6th-century Welsh monk. The current structure was mainly constructed in the 15th century during the Perpendicular period. It was largely rebuilt between 1862 and 1863, with further work in 1868–1870 that rebuilt the tower and added a vestry. Before these changes, the church had a low tower topped with tiles. The church contains features from its earlier incarnation, including a wooden pulpit and painted screen dating from around 1500. Some of the monuments and bells also survive from the previous building. It belongs to the benefice of Dunster, Carhampton, Withycombe, Roduish, Timberscombe and Wootton Courtenay. This benefice is part of the Exmoor deanery and the Taunton archdeanery. Inside, visitors find a blend of medieval and Victorian craftsmanship. The wooden pulpit and painted screen stand out for their age and detail. The tower and vestry reflect the 19th-century rebuilding efforts. The church’s setting in Carhampton offers a quiet contrast to the surrounding countryside.