Church of St Leonard, Farleigh Hungerford explained

Church of St Leonard
Coordinates:51.3156°N -2.2883°W
Location:Farleigh Hungerford, Somerset, England
Built:1443
Designation1:Grade II* listed building
Designation1 Date:11 March 1968[1]
Designation1 Number:1174661

The Anglican Church of St Leonard in Farleigh Hungerford, within the English county of Somerset, was consecrated in 1443.[2] It is a Grade II* listed building.[1]

It was once within the outer walls of Farleigh Hungerford Castle but is now separated from it by the main road. Thomas Hungerford did not want the local peasants entering the chapel within the castle, and wanted to use it as his chantry, and as a result organised the construction of the new church.[3]

The church has a perpendicular style West Tower in three stages, with a pair of stone gargoyles on each face. There are the remains of some 14th-century stained glass in the north window of the nave and in the east Chancel window which are of Flemish origin. The church also contains a 17th-century wooden altar rail carved with open work scrolls and figures. The pulpit dates from the early 18th century and is carved with eagles and angels.[4]

The church underwent Victorian restoration in 1856.[1]

The parish is part of the benefice of Hardington Vale within the Diocese of Bath and Wells.[5]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Church of St Leonard. Historic England. 31 October 2015.
  2. Book: Dunning, Robert. Somerset Churches and Chapels: Building Repair and Restoration. 2007. Halsgrove. 978-1841145921. 44.
  3. Web site: Farleigh Hungerford. Hardington Vale. 31 October 2015.
  4. Web site: Church of St. Leonard. historicengland.org.uk. English Heritage. 31 October 2015.
  5. Web site: St Leonard, Farleigh-Hungerford. A Church Near You. Church of England. 31 October 2015.