Wincanton, St Peter and St Paul

The present church is mainly a Victorian re-construction but the tower is all that appears to remain of a small church built in early 14th century. In the mid 18th century, the original nave, now south aisle, was widened and a north aisle and central chancel, now the Lady Chapel, were added. There was a further expansion on the north side, in the late 19th century, at which time it was the largest church built in Somerset since the Reformation.

A ring of eight bells is maintained and used regularly. The bells are rung weekly for services and attract the interest of many touring bell-ringing groups who enjoy ringing them.

The north porch is quite ornate with pinnacles and carvings including both St Peter and St Paul. Inside the porch is a novel small statue depicting St Eligius dressed as a bishop and shoeing a horse, but with the poor animal's leg removed and held aloft! He was born about 588 in Chaptelat near Limoges, and the connection with Wincanton appears to be through a family named Farrars who came to England with William the Conqueror, and lived locally. As the patron saint of metal workers and farriers he was, in 1959, adopted as patron saint of the Army's Royal Corps of Electrical and Mechanical Engineers.

The church has several Victorian stained glass windows, mainly memorials, but the east window, over the high altar, depicts the Te Deum with prophets, apostles, martyrs and saints, including of course, St Peter and St Paul.

Postcode: BA9 9AJ

Opening Times
Daily, 10am - 4pm

Telephone: Churchwarden 01963 34108/33834

Service Times

Sunday	8am	Holy Communion (2nd, 4th & 5th Sundays)
	10.30am	Parish Eucharist