Church of St Edward King and Martyr, Goathurst

The Church of St Edward King and Martyr stands in the village of Goathurst, Somerset, on land once part of the Royal Forest of North Petherton. Built in the 14th century, it is one of England’s Grade I listed buildings. The church is dedicated to Edward the Martyr, a young Saxon king murdered in 978 at Corfe Castle. His stepmother Elfrida arranged the killing so her own son could take the throne. The dedication is rare, making the church unusual among English churches. The church holds a striking 19th-century monument to three-year-old Isabella Kemeys. The sculpture shows the child lying on a pillow, holding a broken flower. Nearby are monuments to the Kemeys-Tynte family, who lived at Halswell House. These memorials reflect the local gentry’s history and their ties to the church. Inside, visitors find a quiet medieval building with simple furnishings. The monuments stand as quiet reminders of the past. The church sits in a peaceful village surrounded by countryside. Its Grade I status recognises its historical importance. The dedication to Edward the Martyr adds a layer of historical curiosity. The church remains a place of reflection and local memory.