St Mary's Parish Church - 'The Minster'

St Mary’s, which is referred to locally as “The Minster’, is the centre piece of Ilminster and said to be one of the most beautiful churches in the County.  It is thought that a Saxon Church stood on this site from around 720 AD until the present church was built in the second half of the 15th Century.  Wells Cathedral was the inspiration for the design of the crossing under the magnificent 90 foot central tower of golden Ham Hill stone.

 

The very name of the town comes in part from the church, originally ‘Ileminstre’ from the old English ‘Ysle’ and ‘Mynster’ meaning the ‘church on the river Ile.’  It was built of ham stone and dates back to the 15th Century.  St Mary’s has been designated, by English Heritage, as a Grade 1 listed building. 

 

The church contains a ring of 8 bells with the oldest bell dating back to 1611.

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Through the centuries there has been refurbishment to the Church. In 1825 refurbishment was undertaken by William Burges and the chancel was restored in 1883.  Further restoration in 1887-89 and again in 1902.

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In the 21st Century, The Gooch Charitable Trust (Ilminster) is delighted to play a part in the preservation of the church for the benefit of the town of Ilminster, with which the Gooch family is proud to be associated.