English Heritage sites near Crowcombe Parish
CLEEVE ABBEY
5 miles from Crowcombe Parish
With possibly the finest cloister buildings in England, visitors can get a glimpse of monastic life 800 years ago. 15th century refectory with glorious angel roof and 13th century heraldic tiles.
DAWS CASTLE
6 miles from Crowcombe Parish
Daws Castle is a clifftop fortress, which was founded by King Alfred to defend the people of Watchet against Viking attacks.
DUNSTER GALLOX BRIDGE
9 miles from Crowcombe Parish
This ancient stone bridge - originally 'gallows bridge' - once carried packhorses bringing fleeces to Dunster market and is evidence of Dunster's once important role in the wool trade.
DUNSTER, YARN MARKET
9 miles from Crowcombe Parish
Fine 17th century timber-framed octagonal market hall that is a monument to Dunster's once-flourishing cloth trade.
DUNSTER BUTTER CROSS
10 miles from Crowcombe Parish
Transplanted stump of a medieval stone cross that was once a meeting place for people to bring and sell their own butter. Nearby attractions include Cleeve Abbey.
MUCHELNEY ABBEY
20 miles from Crowcombe Parish
Once a wealthy Benedictine house, Muchelney’s main buildings were demolished by Henry VIII in 1538. See the richly decorated cloister walk and thatched monks’ lavatory – the only one in Britain.
Churches in Crowcombe Parish
Holy Ghost, Crowcombe.
THE CHURCH OF THE HOLY GHOST CROWCOMBE
HISTORY
Situated next to Crowcombe Court, just off the A358, the earliest church on the site is thought to have been built in Saxon times, but of the present church, the earliest part is the 14th century tower and north wall; more was added in the 15th century, and the south aisle was built in the16th century. The private Carew chapel was added in 1655, and is still in use by the family. Some restoration took place in 1720 and 1869, and the church is well maintained.
The church is built of Quantock red sandstone, with a slate roof and has been designated by English Heritage as a Grade 1 listed building.
The church is well known for its carved bench-ends, dating from 1534, depicting many symbols in use at that time, including three green men, foliage, fruits and birds; there is one carved with Crowcombe men fighting a two-headed dragon. The font is also from the 16th century and depicts the figures of a knight, a bishop, a nun, St Anne and the Virgin Mary. The church has a typical wagon roof with carved bosses, and the porch has fan tracery.
There is a 14th century churchyard cross, much weathered, just outside the porch, and in the churchyard the top section of an original spire can be seen - the spire was severely damaged by lightning in 1724 and came crashing down into the church, some of the stone being re-used in the church flooring.
The tower contains a ring of 6 bells hung for change ringing. The full peal was refurbished and rehung in 2007/08. The oldest bell, the 4th, was cast around 1440 by the bell founder John Gosselin. The tenor bell, the 6th, weighs 18cwt and was cast in 1712. Practice night is on Thursdays from 7.30pm until 9.00pm. For details of Sunday service ringing please contact the tower captain, Robert Kennedy on 01984 630934
QUANTOCK TOWERS BENEFICE
Crowcombe Church and parish is a part of the Quantock Towers Benefice of 7 rural churches, each with many historical features of interest, just to the west of the Quantock Hills - recognised as an area of outstanding natural beauty. You are warmly welcome to join us at any of our services or church-events - and do make yourself known - although we will probably get in first! Click here to visit the Quantock Towers Benefice website
FURTHER INFORMATION
Crowcombe Church services and other linked Church and village events are detailed in "Pathways", the Benefice monthly magazine. Services are also listed in the Crowcombe village bi-monthly publication "CAW" and also on the village Parish Council website: www.crowcombe.org.uk The Church notice board also lists services and events. For marriages, baptisms and funerals, please contact either the Rector or Assistant Curate, or the Churchwardens.
CONTACTS
Rector: interregnum.
Wardens: Melville Trimble 01984-618727, Geoffrey Billson 01984 618272
Pubs in Crowcombe Parish
Carew Arms
A classic 17th Century rural pub in the village at the foot of the beautiful Quantock Hills. The flagstone public bar has a historic inglenook and the large garden, looking towards the Brendon Hills, makes this popular with locals, walkers...