Lying in the East Lyn Valley, close to the Somerset border within Exmoor National Park is the village of Brendon. It's Grade II listed Church - St. Brendan's - though, is some two miles west from the village.
It was originally built at Cheriton during the reign of King Henry II and re-built in it's current position ~ with land gifted from the Chichester family ~ in 1738, possibly using the same stones, foundations of the original can still be seen though overgrown.
St. Brendan's has a nave, chancel, and south porch, the tower was rebuilt in 1828, the whole restored with north aisle, transept and vestry added in 1873.
Three of the original four bells still remain, two carry the initials 't.g.' thought to be that of Sussex bell founder Giles, the fourth was cast by Somerset founder Roger Samson. Two are dedicated to St. Mary, but no proof can be found to indicate the Church was originally named so.
The Church has two fonts; one pre-dates the 13th century and possibly, the Conquest, is made of local grit toned in red and grey. A 1707 slate sundial sits above the porch.
Whilst the pulpit is of modern gothic, the reredos, choir stalls and alter rail reflect the craftmanship of 12th century Brendon carpenter - John Floyd, the lectern being the work of Joseph Totterdell.
The Royal coat of arms is hung above the door.
The first recorded Rector was James de Eyssedence in 1285.
The Domesday Book records Brendon as Brandone ~ the Saxon 'brun'= bambles or brown, 'dun'= hill or upland expanse.
In 1288 Brendon's contribution for the Taxation of Pope Nicholas IV to finance the Crusades was £4.6s.8p, the Parish of Lyntone being £4.8s. ~ J.D