Church of St Mary, Christon

The Church of St Mary stands in the small village of Christon in North Somerset. Built in the 12th century, it is a Grade I listed Norman church with a three-bay nave, a south porch and a chancel. Its central tower rises in two stages and contains a quadripartite vault beneath it. The round-headed door in the porch is framed by columns on either side. Outside, five Romanesque corbels project from the walls, one of them carved with double human heads, possibly added later. The church’s interior holds a 12th-century font made of a cylindrical stem on rectangular blocks, topped by a square bowl decorated on three faces. The building remains part of the Diocese of Bath and Wells, serving the Crook Peak parish. Its Norman architecture and historic details make it a recognised landmark in the area. Visitors find a quiet, rural setting with the church as the focal point. The surrounding village lies near Crook Peak, adding to the peaceful atmosphere. Inside, the nave, porch and chancel offer space to appreciate the craftsmanship of the period. The tower’s vault and the unusual corbel carvings draw attention to the building’s age and design.