St Andrew’s pre-Domesday...and a 19th century mystery
St Andrew's Church, Northover, Ilchester, Somerset, BA22 8LD
The present building is 14th century and later but St Andrew’s was a Saxon Minster. We look at its Saxon history and explain a Minster’s purpose. Jump forward to the 19th century and research suggests a gifted artist is buried in the churchyard.
Many people driving through Ilchester would not realise that once they cross the river bridge heading north they are in the ancient parish of Northover. Here St Andrew’s stands on a mound just a few hundred yards from a Romano-British cemetery. Friends of St Andrew’s will welcome visitors on our two Heritage Open Half-Days. Display boards will tell of the old Saxon Minster which once stood here, and look at the life of St Andrew. Visitors will also have the chance to decide whether a gifted artist whose death is still officially a mystery, died in Ilchester Gaol and was buried in St Andrew’s churchyard. We present an art historian’s research.
St Andrew's Church, Northover, Ilchester, Somerset, BA22 8LD
Parking usually available in nearby layby...........entry through gate into small public ‘garden’ then up five steps to sloping pathway....Care if wet. Entrance to church by east door (signposted) across churchyard grass.
Wear suitable footwear for grass/wet sloping pathway.