Montacute Church is a building that has seen much legitimate “tinkering,” not of the restorer’s brand but of the sort that delights the antiquary.  The earliest work is very early Norman.  This is seen in the chancel arch and then we come down through the various stages of architectural history—­Early English transepts, a Decorated window on the south side and, what is almost inevitable for Somerset, the Perpendicular nave.  The tower is also “Somerset,” and very dignified and beautiful.

From the hill of Hamdon near by we obtain one of those exquisite prospects of this English countryside that few can look upon unmoved.  The beautiful hills of Somerset and Dorset, fading into the gentlest tones of soft purple and blue, ring the horizon on every side.  Alfred’s tower, built to commemorate the victory over the Danes, is far away on the Wiltshire border, but appears startlingly close for some rare moments when winter rain is near.  Away to the west are the distant Quantocks and the hills of “dear Dorset,” fold after fold, in the south.  Close under the steep northern face of Hamdon is Stoke, with a quaint, and delightful inn known as the “Fleur de Lis,” and a beautiful old church with a Norman tympanum, an elaborate chancel arch of the same date, and many other gracious and interesting details.  If the direct road is taken from Montacute to Yeovil we pass through Preston Pucknell with its small and over-restored Decorated church.  Of more interest is the fine tithe-barn close by, and a beautiful old medieval house with delightful porch and elaborate chimney.

Three miles north-east of Yeovil is the interesting church and manor house at Trent.  In the latter the fugitive Charles II was hidden, and his hiding-place can still be seen.  The stone spire of the church is a rare feature hereabouts and within will be found many interesting items, including the finely carved screen and bench ends, some bearing the words “Ave Maria”; the pulpit carved with scenes from the life of Christ and the chantry chapel and tombs, one of Sir Roger Wyke, temp.  Edward III.  The very beautiful churchyard contains an old chantry house built in the reign of Henry VI and the shaft and steps of an ancient cross.

About four miles south-east of Yeovil is the village of Yetminster, with a station on the Weymouth line of the Great Western Railway.  To reach it we may pass through the village of Bradford Abbas, where the abbots of Sherborne once had a residence.  The moated house still exists as Wyke Farm.  A short distance away is a tithe-barn of noble proportions.  The church has one of the finest towers in Dorset (for here we are again across the border).  The west front is remarkable for its canopied niches.  Within is a stone screen and beautifully panelled roof.  Yetminster churchyard is worth the climb thither for the sake of the lovely view without the added attraction of the beautiful Perpendicular church, restored about thirty years ago.  Within will be