Church of St Thomas a Becket, Pensford, Somerset

Address:
Old Road, Bristol, Somerset, BS39 4AL
How to find us | Access information
Opening times:
Open regularly at weekends & some weekdays by volunteers ( depending on weather etc )
  • Photo: The CCT
  • The Church of St Thomas a Becket in Pensford
  • Overview
  • Map
  • What's nearby

A handsome fourteenth-century tower

Set in a pretty village with the River Chew running around it this fourteenth-century tower stands against a dramatically backdrop of railway viaduct arches. The rest of this church has been converted to a home.

The tower has three stages, with a west doorway and unusual fifteenth-century windows to the top stage.

Inside, it has an elaborate vaulted ceiling and a fine Medieval bell-frame above a Perpendicular font, a seventeenth-century pulpit, and text and benefaction boards.

No access to Tower itself only Chapel room / base of the tower on ground level. No access to the adjoining Nave. 

  • Access information

    From the lane through the village, along a level gravel path to the west door. There is clear access to the tower door along and one step up to the tower floor.

    No parking directly outside the church please. Occasional parking available in village but it is best to take Publow Road & use the Village Hall car park. Drop off is usually possible at the churchyard gates 
     

  • Facilities & Hire

    Due to the historic nature of our buildings, only a very small number have heating, running water or toilet facilities. The lighting is usually operated via a 'push button' timer or a motion sensor. 

  • Directions

    Coming towards Bristol on the A37, come down the hill into Pensford and the tower can be found on the left hand side, close to the railway viaduct off the small lane that crosses the river in the middle of the village

    No parking directly outside the church please. Occasional parking available in village but it is best to take Publow Road & use the Village Hall car park. Drop off is usually possible at the churchyard gates 
     

  • Transport

    Nearest railway station: Keynsham (4 miles)

  • History & Further Information

     

    Why not make your visit more enjoyable and informed by finding out more about this church before you visit? You can download a range of publications below including the relevant county guide, and any walk round guides we have for this church.

    Somerset County Guide

    This free of charge short guide contains details of all the churches we care for in Somerset. Printed copies of the county guide are also available at the church.

  • Conservation and Regeneration

    St Thomas' costs £2574.44 per year to keep open and in a good state of repair. 
    Routine maintenance costs (Per annum and exclusive of VAT): £1344.00

    Other maintenance costs total (Exclusive of VAT):
    - Remove two protruding nails from the stairway. £20.00
    - Redecorate weathervane £125.00
    - Refix parapet flashing £150.00
    - Parapet mortar repairs £125.00

    Total short term repairs:
    - Treat/paint bell frame steel plates £1,000.00
    - Structural engineers report on bell frame and bell report £1,200.00

    Total medium term repairs:
    More expensive needs such as roof repairs and tower repairs which
    may require more involved fundraising and grant applications. £12,000.00
    - high-level works; parapet + string course flaunching,
    install reinforced lead spout, modify sumps leadwork,
    cap grotesques £12,000.00

    Total long term repairs:
    Repair font £500.00

  • Community information
    Pensford Church Plan May 2023.pdf

     

    Click here 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!

    A cycle route between St Thomas' Church Pensford and St James' Church in Cameley is available on our website here. 

    St Thomas a Becket, Pensford, is in our west region.

    Useful local links:

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