Stavordale Priory

Stavordale Priory, now a residence, stands in Charlton Musgrove and has origins dating back to the 13th century. The structure was converted in 1533, and underwent restoration and extension work by T.E. Colcutt in 1905. The building is constructed from local stone rubble with dressings of Doulting stone, featuring a plain clay tile roof over stone slate base courses. Coped gables with finials and stone chimney stacks complete the exterior.

The south elevation showcases a 3-light window from the 15th century with blind panels at the base. Bays 2 and 3 incorporate the former side tower arch of the 14th century, now filled with 20th-century glazing. A 2-light window and an 8-panel door with a pediment bearing a carved badge are present in bay 4. The former chancel now has pointed windows, partly blocked, with simple cruciform windows on two levels, flat-headed below and arched above. A bell turret sits atop the coping between the nave and chancel. The west gable features a 14th-century moulded, pointed arched doorway with an arched label and square stops, above which is a 4-light 15th-century traceried window, the upper portion now blind. The north wall of the nave has shortened 15th-century traceried windows, while much of the north chancel wall is obscured by later additions. The east gable contains a moulded window recess with a 20th-century 6-light window below, the upper section now rendered. A side chapel is attached to the northeast corner with a 3-light 15th-century traceried window in the east wall’s recess; the north wall window is blocked at two levels, mirroring the south elevation. The east cloister wing and reredorter block to the north were substantially reshaped in the early 20th century in high-quality, though relatively plain, work.

The interior of the nave primarily reflects a 20th-century conversion. Ground floor features lack special characteristics. Upper ceilings conceal the main roof trusses, but upstands and crossbeams of 15th-century trusses remain visible. The greater portion of the chancel arch is still apparent; a panelled arch with traces of a rood loft stair exists in the northeast corner of the nave. The chancel was converted in the 16th century; the lower room has moulded crossbeams, and a good statue niche is located in the south wall. The upper room reveals a good 15th-century roof frame with moulded crossbeams, bosses, curved ribs to each rafter and collar. The side chapel is retained as such, featuring a fan vault ceiling. Numerous fragments, including piscinae, continue to be uncovered. 20th-century work is of good quality, notable for its fine joinery.

The site was originally a priory of the Augustinian Order, first mentioned in 1243. A bell tower was in existence by 1374, and the church underwent refitting and rebuilding around 1439, with a chantry of Jesus completed in 1526. The priory merged with Taunton in 1533, and the buildings subsequently became a residence.