Somerset ~ The Churches Conservation Trust
Take a closer look at two churches in the same village
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St Mary Ottersey, Stocklinch, Somerset
This is another church in a field of cows and in a breath-taking location near Barrington.
The walk to the church across the field adds to the sensation of going somewhere special and certainly the interior doesn't disappoint. It is simply awe inspiring.
The first recording of the existence of this church was in 1320.
Why has this small village got 2 churches? I don't know but I love the old folk tale that there were two legendary sisters who both fell in love with the vicar and each built a church for his benefit.
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Lucky vicar!
Bicycles weren't invented until 1817 by a German inventor called Baron Karl von Drais and so the vicar must have travelled between the two churches either on foot or by horse.
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The surrounding graveyard provided and interesting place to explore as it had been left "wilded".
Beautifully presented as if it was ready for a church service
Notice the oil lamps as there is no electricity.
The image below is lovely
God Save our noble King Charles 11 which is a poster piece of artwork created by Marmaduke Jeffrey, the Church Warden dated 1664.
This is such a restful church to visit and it offers many delightful surprises with the sunlight flooding through the windows and the rich colours of the altar dressings. The open bible and the Norman font are quite special too.
This beautiful hillside landmark made of golden Ham stone really is an atmospheric gem. It stands close to an old water source, one of many holy - or healing - wells.
We are revisiting this church and will upgrade the images as we try and capture the tranquillity and beauty of this historic building.
Interested in visiting churches in your area?
Why not explore the Churches Conservation Trust website and see what delights are available, or perhaps you will be tempted to visit Somerset and seek out this and other gems on this website.
You will not be disappointed.
https://www.visitchurches.org.uk/
Thanks for visiting my site. If you have any observations I would be pleased to hear from you via the Contact page.
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Ken
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