Church of St Peter and St Paul, Over Stowey

The Church of St Peter and St Paul stands in Over Stowey, a village on the edge of the Quantock Hills in Somerset. The tower and part of the nave belong to the 14th century, with later medieval work added. In the 19th century Richard Carver oversaw a thorough restoration and enlargement. The churchyard contains a granite cross raised to Henry Stanley, a cricketer killed in the Boer War. William Holland, the diarist, served as vicar here from 1779 until 1819. Inside, carved oak bench ends reflect local craftsmanship. A striking monument to the Rich brothers shows agricultural tools and a beehive. Two stained-glass windows were designed by Edward Burne-Jones for Morris & Co. One window depicts the Angel of the Resurrection, the other a band of angelic musicians. Six bells hang in the tower, two of them medieval bells from Exeter. The churchyard holds many monuments to the Labouchere and Stanley families, who once owned Quantock Lodge. The building was chosen for the Royal Mail’s First Class Christmas Stamp in 2000. Visitors find a quiet place of worship set among rolling hills and historic graves.