The tower contains some of the oldest stonework still remaining, the porch roof being 15th century, and some of the tower windows' work also.

The plan is a two-bay chancel, a five-bay nave, a four-bay north aisle, and a three-bay south aisle. The most western bay of the nave is a 19th century extension.

The church contains the oldest signed brass tablets in Somerset, dating back to 1691, signed by William Cockey of Wincanton. There is a memorial plate also, to a Francis Lynewray, dated 1579, and a memorial on the wall in the sanctuary to the Courte and Bisse families dating back to 1613.

In the churchyard there is a chest tomb of the Manning family, dated 1618, on which the large lettering can still be read. Only two bells now remain in the tower, the others dating back to the 1600's were sold to pay for repairs to the church roof.

Josh Naden - 1984

Abbey Wall, Packhorse Bridge, High St, Bruton

Copyright ©1999-2012 Lee Harris | Designed by Cherokee | Site Map

Glass Window
GraveHeadStone
backbuttonContainer

Close Window

The church in South Brewham is dedicated to St. John the Baptist. In Robert Dunning's book 'Christianity in Somerset', it states, "Three services a week were held in St. John the Baptist Church Brewham in 1180 A.D." There had been some kind of building there much earlier; an old baptism font found near the church dates back to the 8th or 9th century, and is of Saxon style. Monks from the monastery at Witham Friary and canons from Bruton served the church in the earliest years. The church has been built, re-built and altered over the years using in the main local stone. There is a deep quarry quite closely behind the church. In more recent times the damper family, who lived at Colinshays Manor, and who numbered several priests among there family members , restored the church when it had fallen into disrepair. The nave ceiling is 17th Century, with ribs and bosses.

Welcome to Bruton

An Ancient Somerset Town