Conservation In Action at All Saints', Langport

All Saint’s Church, Langport, built mainly in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, contains the finest collection of medieval stained glass in Somerset, and a magnificent late fifteenth century timber chancel ceiling, consisting of the most beautiful carved scrolling vines with leaves in the centre of the coffers. 

On Tuesday, 11th November 2025, the church welcomed fifty guests, including our higher level members, for an exciting opportunity to see conservation in action, during which a survey was being conducted to understand the deterioration to the late fifteenth century timber ceiling. Ascending the scaffolding, visitors were awestruck by this rare opportunity to see the unique ceiling and medieval stained glass up close, attending tours led by local volunteer Clive Sills and timber conservator Hugh Harrison. 

The delicately carved leaves on the ceiling, pictured above, are sadly slowly becoming detached and falling to the ground. It is hoped that the survey in progress will establish why this deterioration is happening and make recommendations for repair.