The church, which is dedicated, like Wells Cathedral, to Saint Andrew, certainly existed in the early 14th century. Of the mediaeval structure only the tower and some pieces of carved stone, incorporated in the walls of the new chancel and nave, remain. Inside, can be seen the font, the oldest artifact in the church, dating back to the 12th century. The pulpit is Jacobean and would have been used by the diarist Parson Woodforde during his time at Ansford. The arch leading from the nave to within the tower is particularly graceful and is almost certainly part of the original building. On the west wall is a list of the parish priests of Ansford dating from 1328. Against the north wall of the chancel stands a carved muniment chest, probably of the early 16th century. The ancient bell frame was designed to house three bells, the usual arrangement in village churches in The present restoration has allowed for augmentation to a peal of six, the bells being hung in a new steel frame. The original wooden frame has been preserved and retained in the tower. |
|---|