The Benefice Churches
St Peter & St Paul, Shepton Mallet
The Parish Church of Shepton Mallet has existed on its present site for more than a thousand years, developing from simple origins to the present fine building. Originally Saxon it has been enhanced with Medieval and Victorian changes. Of particular note are the wagon roof dating back to 1450 and the pulpit, dated 1550, carved out of one piece of Doulting stone. Ten years ago, a fine stained glass window commemorating the Millennium was installed.
The church, is a light and airy building, with a large stained glass window on its west front. It can seat more than 450 people mainly in solid oak pews, some of which have been removed in recent years to allow easier access to the children's and prayer corners.
A project to restore the eight bells, clock and tower chambers was completed in 2008 and nave floodlighting has just been installed to illuminate the famous carvings of the wagon roof.
The church stands in a closed churchyard, however on the east side is a recently extended and refurbished garden of remembrance for the interment of cremated remains.
The church is recorded in Simon Jenkins' book England's Thousand Best Churches.
St Aldhelm's, Doulting
There has probably been a church building on this site since before St Aldhelm first came in 700AD. There was major restoration in 1869 when the incumbent took most of the church down, rebuilt and extended it. The two transepts pre-date this time and there are fine carved wooden angels in the roofs. The oldest part of the present church is the Norman arch of the north porch door.
The church seats about 120 in the nave and, when required, a further 80 in the transepts. Kitchen and toilet facilities have been installed in recent years. The bells were re-tuned and the bell frame renewed in 2002. The spire has been renovated in 2010. The adjoining churchyard is open for the interment of cremated remains and the churchyard extension is open for burials.
St Bartholomew's, Cranmore
The church was built in 1470 with the chancel being rebuilt in the 19th century and restored in the Early English style. The windows are particularly fine examples and were restored in 1986. The funeral bier was constructed in 1597. The bell frame was renewed in 1999 and the tower now has a peal of six bells which are rung for 10.00 services.
The church has recently completed its re-ordering programme. The adjoining churchyard is open for the interment of cremated remains and the churchyard extension is open for burials.