(13th cent.), built by Reginald Mohun. (Note door and huge knocker, replacing original portcullis:  another similar tower of the same date will be seen from the terrace).  Of the mansion the portion to the R. of the elaborate doorway is the oldest (Elizabethan); the part to the L. dates from the 18th cent.  In the grounds should be noticed (1) a lemon tree 200 years old, (2) cypresses, (3) magnificent yew hedge.  The view obtainable from the terrace is varied and comprehensive, embracing mountain, sea, and park.

The Mohuns had ecclesiastical sympathies as well as military ambitions, for in addition to building the castle, they established a priory here in connection with Bath Abbey.  This explains the peculiarity of Dunster Church, which possesses a separate monastic choir.  The prior’s lodging, and the conventual barn and dovecot, may still be seen in a yard on the N. side of the church.  The church has a central tower of rather weak design.  Internally this forms the division between the secular and monastic portion of the building.  The chief feature of the church is a magnificent rood-screen which spans the whole width of the structure.  It has been the model for many neighbouring imitations.  The western half of the church is Perp., with occasional traces of an earlier Norm. building.  The W. doorway is Norm., and on the W. side of the tower are the piers of a Norm. chancel arch.  At the base of the tower there is a bit of masonry locally claimed as pre-Norman.  The monastic choir and its sanctuary have been restored from indications of its original E.E. character.  Besides transepts, the church has three chapels—­that of the Holy Trinity on the S., St Mary’s on the N., and beyond this the interesting chantry of St Lawrence, which contains a fine altar slab and a tiled floor.  The monuments which call for notice are (1) in the monastic choir the effigy of a lady (said to be one of the Everard family), under a canopy; (2) on the N. of the sanctuary the recumbent figures of Sir Hugh Luttrell and wife (1428-33); (3) at E. end of the Chapel of Holy Trinity an incised slab with figure of Lady Eliz.  Luttrell (1493); and (4) on S. of same chapel an altar with two pairs of recumbent figures, also Luttrells.  A small brass with the figures of a man and woman will be found at the W. end of the S. aisle, bearing date 1470.  In addition to features already mentioned, note (1) the unique E.E. arch at entrance of S. chapel, widened by Perp. builders for ritual purposes; (2) old alms and muniment chests in N. chapel; (3) old bench-end near W. doorway, from which the other woodwork has been copied.  Externally should be observed (1) priest’s house at S. entrance of churchyard; (2) recess for stocks in the wall close by; (3) churchyard cross with round base at W. end of church; (4) conventual barn and dovecot in yard on N.