URGENT help is needed to save a thousand years of history in West Somerset by fund-raising for tiny All Saints Church, in Monksilver.

The parish church, which has a congregation of only about 90 people, is where Sir Francis Drake, of Spanish Armada fame, married his second wife Elizabeth Sydenham in 1583.

Elizabeth was the daughter of Sir George Sydenham, of nearby Combe Sydenham, who was High Sheriff of Somerset.

Today, it costs about £7,000 a year to keep the village church open, not only as a place of worship, but as a living part of the shared history of the community.

Now, a call has gone out for people to become volunteer fund-raising champions on behalf of the parochial church council.

Parish Clerk Mary Jacobs said: “Our small, elderly congregation is doing its best, but we are finding it harder every year to raise the thousands needed to maintain our historic and worshipping home.

“We have got plenty of ideas, concerts, cream teas, local markets, talks, and more, but we need somebody to help organise them and pull it all together.

“You do not need experience, just heart, energy, and a love for community.

“We cannot offer a salary, but we will cover travel and out-of-pocket costs, and give you something money cannot buy - the chance to help save one of Somerset’s most precious places.

“Let us not be the generation that lets this historic building close its doors.”

Volunteers are need to help with:

All Saints Church dates to the 12th century, with a square west tower built in the 14th century and a 16th century pulpit, and is listed by English Heritage as a grade one property.

Ms Jacobs said: “Monksilver Parish Church has been at the centre of our village life for over 1,000 years.

“But now, we urgently need help to keep it open.

“Monksilver Church is struggling for survival.

“This church has stood for generations as a symbol of community, hope, and belonging.

“Whether or not you attend services, its presence enriches our village, offering space for reflection, celebration, and coming together.

“With a small community, it is harder and harder to raise this amount each year.

“We all try so hard with our fund-raising, but any small donation would be tremendously helpful and appreciated.

“By contributing, you are not just helping pay a bill – you are helping preserve something timeless.

“Let us stand together to keep this cornerstone of our village life open for everybody, now and for generations to come.”

All Saints is part of the Quantock Towers Benefice group of eight churches served by the same rector, the Rev Nicky Morgan.

The other parishes in the benefice with Monksilver with Elworthy, which spreads from the Quantock Hills to the Brendon Hills, are Bicknoller, Crowcombe, East Quantoxhead, Nettlecombe, Sampford Brett, Stogumber, and West Quantoxhead.