A 3 Sedgemoor Churches Cycle, Moorlinch, St Mary The Virgin PART VII, July 2012.AVI.wmv
Channel: semw52
Date: 2012-08-05

Before the marshes were drained  the sea ran up  close and local boats landed their fish--hard to believe today.The Saxons and Romans have settled here and King Alfred defeated The Danes in May 878.The Pyk family were of importance here and owned half the Manor and Glastonbury Abbey owned the other half.Lady Eleanor de Beauchamp was the wife of Richard Pyk and her effigy lies within the church.Apparently there is a difference between a Vicar and Rector--the former being a deputy of a rector of the abbey.The church is basically 13th century and has witnessed many events in history including 'The Battle of Sedgemoor' in 1685 where Parishioners came to the church, with its magnificent views, to observe the battle from a distance of less than 2 miles.
I enjoyed the summer cycle here--hottish with a gentle breeze and mainly free from cars--when I arrived I was delighted with the siting of the church with its panoramic views of my beautiful Somerset--its rich architecture and history and the local vicar who providied me with more insight into the church AND turned the lights on. Outside an old man was sat with an easel and paints soaking up the peace and tranquility --often a prerequisite for artwork.