Church of St Nicholas, Combe St Nicholas

The Church of St Nicholas stands in the village of Combe St Nicholas, Somerset. It began as a Norman church and has parts from the 13th century. The chancel and lower tower stage date from that time. In the 15th century the church was enlarged and aisles were added. A restoration took place in 1836. The building is recognised as a grade I listed structure. The church’s origins go back to the Norman Conquest and possibly earlier. In 1170 it was dedicated by the Bishop of Waterford together with Bishop Jocelin of Wells. The Hamstone nave has five bays and contains a font that may predate the Normans. The 15th-century aisles include a piscina and another font. A carved rood screen from about 1470 divides the nave from the chancel. Beneath the chancel lie three vaults discovered in 1971. The tower holds six bells and a clock from 1845, and features battlements, corner pinnacles and gargoyles. The church belongs to the benefice of Chard, St Mary with Combe St Nicholas, Wambrook and Whitestaunton. It lies within the deanery of Crewkerne and Ilminster in the Diocese of Bath and Wells.