Keeping Somerset Churches & Chapels Alive
Somerset Churches Trust is a charitable, environmental trust founded in 1996 under the name Friends of Somerset Churches and Chapels. We work in association with the National Churches Trust. Our Trust is non-denominational and is able to support a wide range of works in buildings that are in use for Christian worship in the historic county of Somerset.
Make grants to Christian churches and chapels in Somerset to help meet the costs of repair and works to widen community use.
About our grants
Encourage greater interest and the involvement of all members of the community, whether churchgoing or not, in Somerset’s heritage of fine religious buildings.
Become a memberIn Somerset many buildings are historically important, architecturally interesting or beautiful and often in tiny villages where congregations are sparse. Since the founding of the Trust our support has been given for works involving repair of the fabric of the building, but lately, as the need becomes more urgent for religious buildings to play a greater community role, we have extended our remit to include works that enhance or provide facilities and access.
There are approximately seven hundred places of Christian worship in Somerset and, since its founding the Trust has made more than four hundred and fifty grants totalling over £780,000.
If your church or chapel is in need of repair or improvement of its facilities, we may be able to help! Our case studies give details of some more recent projects the Trust has supported.
View case studiesPlease use the accordion below and click on the relevant titles to view available publications.
Jewels of Somerset
Stained Glass in parish churches from 1830 by Hugh Playfair. £12.50 + P&P
Keeping Somerset Churches Alive…
for worship, pilgrimage, visitors and the community by Hugh Playfair. £5 + P&P
Somerset Churches Trust Accounts for y/e 30 June 2020
Somerset Churches Trust Accounts for y/e 30 June 2019
Somerset Churches Trust Accounts for y/e 30 June 2021
By Date of First Visit
(Updated to October 2019)
By Location
(Updated to October 2019)
Meet the people behind the trust, and read about our Trustees. A full list of our patrons, trustees and officers.
The Trust has currently around six hundred active members including individuals, families, churches and organisations. Join us today.
Visits to churches and chapels all over the county, illustrated talks and, of course, our annual fund raising event, Ride+Stride.