Low Ham Church, Somerset

Address:
Low Ham, Langport, Somerset TA10 9DR
How to find us | Access information
Opening times:
The church is locked but the key can be accessed once on site. Please read the noticeboard at the entrance which shares the location of the key and also important information about the farm.
  • Overview
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This Grade I building is known locally as the Church in the Field. The building we see today, beautifully isolated in the rolling countryside, was constructed around 1620 by Sir Edward Hext, Lord of the Manor.  

Writings by the rector of High Ham in the 16th century suggest two earlier churches existed on the same site. A wall found during recent repair works – which will need further research – may also suggest the possibility of a prior church. There is evidence of Roman occupation in the area; the remains of a Roman villa were excavated nearby in 1946.

In 1645, the church suffered damage during the Battle of Langport, one of the most significant conflicts of the Civil War, which resulted in the Parliamentarians taking control of the West of England.

Low Ham’s church is a rare building in that features a Gothic style and yet was constructed in the late 17th century. Inside, visitors can see 17th-century fabric, fine floors, pews and glass.  

Hext’s grandson, George Stawell, had the building repaired and consecrated in 1668 and in 1921 the church was given in trust to the Church of England. We acquired the church in 2017 and following conservation work on the building the church is now once more open to the public.

Photo: Phil Draper (ChurchCrawler)

  • Access information

    Low Ham is literally in a field next to a farm yard. There isn’t a specific car park but you can pull up in the farm near the church. Visitors should be aware that it is a working farm so will need to park responsibly and be careful of moving vehicles and livestock.

    The church is locked but the key can be accessed once on site. Please read the noticeboard at the entrance which shares the location of the key and also important information about the farm.

  • Facilities & Hire
    Low Ham church is available to hire for events and is a unique and beautiful venue. Due to its historic nature the church has no heating, running water or toilet facilities so thought needs to be given for events longer than a couple of hours (e.g. portaloo hire). Low Ham Church in the Field can seat 60+ people. If you would like to hire this church please contact us here.
  • Directions
    14 miles from Bridgwater. 40 miles from Bristol (A37)
  • Transport
    Nearest bus station is Fouracres (22 minutes' walk from the church)
  • Community information
    Low Ham Church Plan

    Click the link above to download a copy of the Church Plan which sets out the shared vision for the future of the church. This is a working document that will be updated on a regular basis. If you have any feedback or if you want to contact us about the church plan please drop us a line. When you write, please do give the name of the church, thank you!

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