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 yearsC.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