All Saints Church

We are actively involved in serving others – old and young – in many ways. EVERYONE will be welcome at ALL services. You do not need to be Confirmed, as the majority of the Communion Service is relevant to everyone.

For up-to-date information regarding services, events & facilities, please visit our dedicated page on achurchnearyou.com, or contact a member of the team shown below. Please also see the Church Notice Board for any current Church Notices.

Visitors

A key to the Sanford Chapel Door may be obtained (subject to proof of identity) from Nynehead Court – Tel: 01823 662481 or from Rachel Vest, the Churchwarden.

Timeline of the Church at Nynehead

Early History

The manor was granted to the Bishop of Winchester in 737 AD, so it is likely there was some form of a church here at that time. A church in Nynehead is mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1068. By a charter dated 1091, William, Count of Mortain, founder of the Montacute Priory, granted to the monks of Montacute the manor and the church of Nynehead. It was the only Cluniac Order in the county, an order that was developed from Cluny in Burgundy. It is probable that there was also a simple church on this site in A.D 890 because the condition of renting the manor was that the tenant should follow and worship the Lord.

11th Century

A church at Nynehead is mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1068. Then by a charter dated 1091, William, Count of Mortain, founder of the Montacute Priory, granted to the monks of Montacute the manor and church. The Montacute Priory was founded by William, Count of Mortain, in about 1100. It was the only Cluniac Order in the county, an order which was developed from Cluny in Burgundy.

13th Century

In 1292 the rectorial tithe was worth six and a half marks. A mark was a bar of silver, weighing about half a pound. The tithe at this time went to the Taunton Priory, as one of the monks would have served as the parish priest. The canons and monks had beards, their habit was a black cassock over which was a white rochet, with a black cloak and hood and a cap on the head. As is the case with most church buildings, various alterations and additions have been made over a period of time.

16th Century

After the Reformation the tithe reverted to the Crown. In 1554 Queen Mary presented a vicar to the parish. Then Queen Elizabeth 1 presented three vicars in 1564, 1567 and 1570.

17th Century Onwards

James 1 presented one vicar in 1618. Charles 1st presented the vicar in 1638. Charles 2nd presented 2 vicars; William 3rd, George 1st , George 2nd and George 3rd all presented vicars to Nynehead. The last vicar to be presented by the Crown was Dr Thomas Bovet in 1786; after this the patronage came into the possession of the Sanford family until the late 20th century. The Sanford family lived in Nynehead Court between 1590 and 1919.

From a picture of the church and Nynehead Court in 1859 it appears as if the church-house was to the east of the church. According to Jeboult, in 1873 a new vicarage was built in a field to the North East of the Church, which in fact is at the top of Nynehead hollow. Prior to this new vicarage, the vicarage was the thatched house adjacent to the present pre-school.

Church Art Collection

The Sanford family installed a number of notable artworks and statues at All Saints Church, and many of these treasures can still be seen today. Read more about the Church Art Collection

Church Building & Grounds

All Saints Church, Nynehead is one of the gems of Somerset. Read more about the Church building and grounds