St Pancras, West Bagborough

West Bagborough is tucked under the south-west slopes of the Quantock Hills, and its church is a steep walk up from the village. (The Lord of the Manor had a rather less arduous walk - the handsome late-Georgian Bagborough House is immediately adjacent.)

The church dates from the late 14th and early 15th Century, and most of the details are therefore Perpendicular, including the robust and (for Somerset) rather plain tower. There is a nave arcade of three bays is later, the north aisle being added in 1872. The wagon roofs in the nave and chancel original, but one comes here for its furnishings: the 16th Century bench ends are a delight, many with almost Renaissance flourishes, and the west screen, font cover and rood were designed by Sir Ninian Comper in in 1922.

I have a soft spot for the church, since one branch of my family tree were baptised, married and buried here for at least 200 years. It is now in a united benefice with Bishop's Lydeard, and worship is in the Catholic style.

St Pancras, West Bagborough Road, West Bagborough TA4 3EG