Award success for Low Ham Church, Somerset
Congratulations to Meriel O’Dowd, CCT Conservation Projects Manager and team who won an award for CCT at the William Stansell Somerset Historic Building Awards last night, for conservation work at Low Ham. The award winners were presented with their certificates during a ceremony at the Somerset Rural Life Museum in Glastonbury.
Meriel pictured above with Lisa Edwards and Jemma Routledge from Sally Strachey Historic Conservation
The judges said:
“The scholarly approach to the repair of this important church by the Churches Conservation Trust is well executed, enhancing its role as an important local landmark and attracting new interest. The work highlights the importance of understanding the history and architecture of the building, treating it with respect, and securing high quality repairs.”
Low Ham Church is a Grade I listed building and 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.
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.
Find out more about the church here