| Church of St Stephen | |
| Coordinates: | 50.8526°N -2.8898°W |
| Location: | Winsham, Somerset, England |
| Built: | 13th century |
| Designation1: | Grade II* listed building |
| Designation1 Offname: | Church of St Stephen |
| Designation1 Date: | 4 February 1958 |
| Designation1 Number: | 1177765 |
The Anglican Church of St Stephen in Winsham, Somerset, England, was built in the 13th century. It is a Grade II* listed building.[1]
The church was built in the 13th century. from which some of the lancet windows remain,[2] and largely rebuilt in the 15th. It underwent Victorian restoration in the 19th century and a vestry added in the 1920s.[1]
Until July 2018, because of the poor condition of the roofs, particularly of the tower, the church had been placed on the Heritage at Risk Register.[3]
On 29 July 2018 the Bishop of Bath and Wells, Peter Hancock, held a dedication service (with Eucharist) in the Church to celebrate the completion of the repair works to the Tower and roof.[4]
The church is also noted for it has a surviving copy of Foxe's Book of Martyrs on display, and renowned for having only one of two surviving pre-Reformation tympana (rood screens) of the Crucifixion anywhere in the world (the other being the church of St Catherine, Ludham, Norfolk).[5]
The parish is part of the Two Shires benefice within the Diocese of Bath and Wells.[6] The church continues to host worship services.[7]
The stone building has slate roofs. It consists of a two-bay nave and chancel supported by buttresses. The central three-stage tower has an octagonal stair turret and gargoyles on the exterior.[1] The tower holds a peal of eight bells, the oldest of which was cast in 1583.[8]
The interior includes a Jacobean pulpit, 15th century timber screen and a reredos added in 1873 by Harry Hems. The octagonal font is from the 15th century as are the painted tympanum boards depicting the crucifixion.[1] [9]