St John's Church History - Key Dates

950 AD

The earliest church on the site was founded, possibly by St Dunstan

1100 AD

The church was enlarged over the next 400 years

C.1200 AD

North transept added

C.1400 AD

Central tower collapsed!

1428 AD

Porch built

1475 AD

Present tower built (134.5ft / 44.4m high)

1484 AD

Parvis room added above porch, completing the re-building

1539 AD

Dissolution of the Abbey - St John's Church passed to the Crown

1649 AD

The Church passed to the Bishop of Bath & Wells

1856 AD

The Church was refurbished and the Medieval and Georgian furnishings removed
The work was overseen by Sir George Gilbert Scott

1901 AD

Restoration of the Tower

C.1910-30 AD

Chapels restored to their original

1926 AD

Organ moved to its present position behind screen designed by Bligh Bond

1932 AD

Chancel Screen erected by Read of Exeter

1955 AD

The reredos and altar installed with design by Alban Caroe

1972 AD

Organ rebuilt, with a detached console positioned in the north aisle

1975 AD

Tower west face restored and cleaned

1980 AD

The Crown of the Tower was restored and all its pinnacles replaced

1986 AD

Organ extended

1987 AD

Chancel floor renovated with new limestone

2006 AD

Clerestory stonework renovated