St Mary's Church

The Parish Church of St Mary was originally founded before the Norman Conquest but the present church is a large and impressive structure dating primarily from the 14th and 15th centuries, with both earlier remains and later additions.

The church is notable for its Gothic architecture, large stained glass windows, and unusually tall spire, a rarity in Somerset, a county known for its tall and elaborate church towers. With a height of 53 m, it is the tallest medieval spire in the county.

The church is also of considerable interest for housing an exceptionally rare and unusually large painting depicting the Descent from the Cross. The artist of the painting is unknown but is generally attributed (controversially) to either the Spanish painter Murillo, or the Italian painter Carracci, both of the 17th century. The building is the town's major landmark and due to its rich architecture and treasures, has been designated a Grade I listed building, the highest possible category, by Historic England.

Address
Saint Mary Street, Bridgwater, United Kingdom

Established
14th century