Church of St Thomas a Becket, Pensford
Somerset
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About this Church
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
Pensford Tower has no electricity, heating, or toilet facilities.
- Church Available for Hire
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.
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
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)
Community information
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:
