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With its pale walls and red tiled roof, its Tuscan west front and its charming little cupola, this tiny parish church could almost have been transplanted from some Greek or Italian village.

The story of St Gwynno’s goes back to 8th century.

Topped by the stump of a spire that was never built, the tower of Shepton Mallet church dates from around 1380, much earlier than most of the renowned Somerset towers.

A well cared for and much loved 14th century village church, open daily, with restored 1788 turret clock and heaviest known set of five medieval bells.

The church has been a part of the village since 1175 and in 2025 will be 850 years old.

Some buildings seem to be ageless, one is the church of St Tydfil.

The first chapel on this site was a meeting room in a building also used as a pub called The Plough, which stood here in the 17th century.

The original church was built in the 12th century but the current St Augustine’s was designed by famous 19th century architect William Butterfield.

St Mary's has occupied this site for over 900 years, although we are uncertain of the date of consecration.

One of the most rewarding of the county's churches to visit, all be it that it is best to arrive accompanied by a passenger otherwise you have to deal with the gated road from the village on your own!