Church of St Martin, Elworthy

The Church of St Martin stands in the small village of Elworthy, Somerset, on the gentle slopes of the Brendon Hills. Built mainly of red sandstone with Ham stone dressings, its slate roof catches the light of the West Country sky. The tower rises in two plain stages, topped with a simple crenellated parapet that speaks of its 13th-century origins. Inside, the nave roof still carries the mark of the late 15th century, while the chancel was rebuilt twice, once after 1695 and again in 1846. An alabaster font, carved from stone quarried near Watchet, rests within the building. The church is worth the journey for its layered history and quiet presence. It has been a Grade II* listed building for decades, recognised for its architectural importance. In 1969 it became a chapelry of Monksilver, linked to three neighbouring parishes in the benefice. The church closed as a place of worship in 1975 and passed into the care of the Churches Conservation Trust in 1979, ensuring its preservation for future visitors. Visitors find a calm interior where medieval and later work sit side by side. The tower’s unbuttressed form and the plain porch frame the entrance, while inside the alabaster font draws attention for its unusual material. The chancel’s two rebuilds leave subtle traces in the fabric. The building stands empty of regular services but full of the quiet stories of centuries past.