The present Church is thought to have been built on the site of a smaller Saxon or Norman one; the only remains being the Saxon cross fragment in the chancel and the Norman font near the west door. The nave, transepts and chancel date from the 13th and 14th and the tower from the 15th century. The chancel, however, was almost completely rebuilt in 1874, part of the extensive restoration work, both inside and outside the church, undertaken in the 19th century.
The screen across the chancel arch dates from the beginning of the 15th century.
Of the five recumbent effigies alongside the organ the earliest is probably an effigy of Sir John Delamere (c.1390).
The tracery in the chancel windows is early English and that in the transepts is in transition style from Decorated to Perpendicular dating from the middle of the 14th century.
There are six bells the heaviest(tenor) having been originally cast in 1633.
A list of rectors is displayed at the west end of the church.
Little did Pevsner know back in the 1950s when he visited the church and admired our fine 15th century wagon roof, what problems lurked under the plaster. Seven years after his visit the roof was gone.
The problems were first noted when the roof was carefully inspected by the church architect, Edmund Buckle, in 1894. Many of the roof beams were rotted through and not even in contact with the wall plate; the Rector immediately launched a campaign to raise the £850 needed for repair. This was the first of many failed attempts; the money was not raised and by 1948 the "Somerset Standard" reported that about £10,000 was needed to save the church.
The roof continued to deteriorate, the costs of repair rose faster than successive campaigns could collect funds, until eventually, m 1957, the original late 15th early 16th century wagon roof was condemned as unsafe and had to be demolished. A temporary roof was erected in 1958 supported by agricultural steel trusses. These have kept the elements at bay up to now, but they need replacing.
To hide the unsightly trusses a suspended flat tiled ceiling was put up in the 1960's, which is itself inappropriate in a Grade 1 listed church and is now disintegrating.
The church, which dates back to the 13th century, has played a large part in local history, being connected with the builders and occupiers of Nunney Castle. It contains effigies and tombs of the builders of the castle and other notables such as an Earl of Winchester.
We believe it is about time this generation fixed the problem so that we have a church to pass on to the next generation.
The newly-formed "Friends of Nunney Church" is determined to raise the amount needed, currently estimated at £300,000. The Bishop of Wells DAC committee has approved the plan and we are working with English Heritage on design proposals.
If you or your family have connections with Nunney and would like to support this work please send your contribution, made out in favour of Postlebury P.C.C., to Highfield, Frome Road, Nunney BA11 4LG.
