Church of the Holy Ghost, Crowcombe

The Church of the Holy Ghost stands in the village of Crowcombe, Somerset, on the edge of the Quantock Hills. Its tower was built in the 14th century, while the rest of the church dates from the 15th century. A previous church may have stood on the same spot as early as Saxon times. The Carew Chapel on the north side was used by the lords of Crowcombe Court. In 1724 lightning struck the spire, removing its top section which now stands in the churchyard. Inside, the oak benches carry carved ends from 1534 showing pagan figures such as the Green Man and a two-headed dragon. The churchyard contains a medieval cross with an octagonal shaft on three steps, scheduled as an ancient monument. Nearby is the Church House and Pound, built around 1515 for parish gatherings, now a Grade II* listed building. The family of Battle of Britain pilot Peter Townsend lived in Crowcombe during his teenage years. Visitors find a quiet church with narrow pews and lavishly carved bench-ends. A stone slab marks the Sweeting family vault beside the aisle. The massive oak door opens onto sunlight and the village green. The medieval cross and the spire fragment in the churchyard add to the historic atmosphere. The Quantock Hills rise close by, framing the scene.