Church of St Mary, Oare

The Anglican Church of St Mary in Oare, Somerset, England was built in the 15th century. It is a Grade II* listed building.[1]

Church of St Mary
LocationOare, Somerset, England
Coordinates51.2124°N 3.7164°W / 51.2124; -3.7164
Built15th century
Listed Building – Grade II*
Official nameChurch of St Mary
Designated22 May 1969[1]
Reference no.1345381
Location of Church of St Mary in Somerset

History

The nave and inner chancel survive from a 15th century building, but the outer chancel and tower were rebuilt in the 19th century.[1]

The parish and benefice of Oare with Culbone is part of the Diocese of Bath and Wells.[2]

The church was used as the location of a marriage in the novel Lorna Doone by R. D. Blackmore, whose grandfather had been the rector of the church[3] between 1809 and 1842.[4]

Architecture

The stone building has slate roofs. It consists of a three-bay nave, with an inner and outer chancel, each of one bay. The three-stage is unbuttressed.[1]

Inside the church are 18th century box pews and a Norman font on an 18th century base.[1] There is also a 15th century piscina with a "grotesque head",[5] said to represent St Decuman.[4]

References
  1. Historic England. "Church of St Mary (1345381)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 5 January 2021.
  2. "Oare Church, The Blessed Virgin Mary, Oare". A Church Near You. Church of England. Retrieved 17 September 2017.
  3. "Oare Church and the Doone Valley". Visit Exmoor. Retrieved 17 September 2017.
  4. Allen, N. V. (1974). Churches and Chapels of Exmoor. Exmoor Press. pp. 70–72. ISBN 978-0900131165.
  5. "MSO7737 - St Mary's Church and Churchyard, Oare". Exmoor Historic Environment Record. Exmoor National Park. Retrieved 17 September 2017.
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