SomersetBRIDGWATERStMary(kengraingerCC-BY-SA2.0)1 KenGrainger

St Mary

St Mary's is the most striking building in Bridgwater and its spire is a landmark that can be seen for miles around.

Bridgwater, Somerset

Opening times

Our opening hours are as follows:
Tuesday and Wednesday 12noon to 2pm.
Thursday 10am to 4pm.
Friday 10am to 2pm.
Saturday 10am to 12noon.
Sunday 8am for regular worship.

Address

St Mary Street
Bridgwater
Somerset
TA6 3EQ

The church was built in the 13th century. The building is on the site of an earlier church which was rebuilt by William Briwere. St Mary's church has a north porch and windows dating from the 14th century. During the 15th and 16th centuries chapels were added.

In July 1685, during the Monmouth Rebellion, the Duke of Monmouth watched from the tower as the forces of King James II assembled, at Westonzoyland, under the command of the Earl of Feversham prior to the Battle of Sedgemoor. The spire, which was built in 1367, is 114 feet 7.5 inches (34.938 m) high and sits on top of the 64 feet (20 m) tower. The spire was split by lightning in 1814 and repaired the following year. On the face of the tower is a clock installed in 1869 replacing earlier clocks which had been on the tower since 1393. Within the tower are eight bells. The oldest bell dates from 1617 with further bells being added through the 17th and 18th centuries. The most recent bell is the Tenor which dates from 1868 and was cast by John Taylor & Co.

The interior of the church includes a 13 feet (4.0 m) by 8 feet (2.4 m) painting of the Descent from the Cross of Spanish or Italian origin given to the church by Anne Poulett the Member of Parliament for Bridgwater in 1775. It was apparently captured when a Spanish warship was taken a prize. The artist is unknown, although it has been controversially attributed to Murillo or Annibale Carracci. The picture is now used as the altarpiece of the church. It also possesses an octagonal 16th century oak pulpit.

  • Spectacular stained glass

  • Magnificent memorials

  • Glorious furnishings

  • Enchanting atmosphere

  • Captivating architecture

  • Walkers & cyclists welcome

  • Space to secure your bike

  • Parking within 250m

  • On street parking at church

  • Level access to the main areas

  • Dog friendly

  • Accessible toilets nearby

  • Church of England

Contact information

Other nearby churches

Bridgwater Baptist Church

Bridgwater, Somerset

Bridgwater Baptist Church is grade II*listed and was erected in 1837 in a neo classical style to replace an earlier existing church building.

Bridgwater Unitarian Chapel

Bridgwater, Somerset

Probably the most interesting and historically important church in the Bridgwater area.