Church of St Dubricius, Porlock

The Church of St Dubricius stands in the Somerset village of Porlock, beside the Exmoor coast. Built in the 13th century, it replaced an earlier church from about 1120. The oak-framed spire is one of only a few such spires still standing in England. A storm in 1703 damaged the spire, leading to later restorations. The most thorough work took place between 1888 and 1891, with further repairs funded by local effort. Inside, the church holds a fine alabaster tomb of John Harington, 4th Baron Harington, who fought with King Henry V in France in 1417. His wife Elizabeth Courtenay outlived him and later married William Bonville. Their effigies were set up by Elizabeth’s step-daughter Cicely Bonville, a great heiress. The tomb’s high quality is said to be more fitting for a cathedral than a small country church. Nearby, an early 15th-century clock strikes the hour on the tenor bell but has no hands or face. At the back of the nave stands this ancient clock, silent now except for its hourly chime. The church belongs to a group of parishes across Exmoor, linking Porlock with Porlock Weir and nearby villages. Its Grade I listing recognises its historical importance and craftsmanship. Visitors find a quiet place where centuries of worship and memory remain visible in stone and wood.