THIS week seven years ago a Somerset man opened Britain's only private gallery of fine art inspired by the Middle Ages in the village of Dunster's historic High Street.

The Medieval Gallery, which stands at 14 High St, brought back the lost world of the arts of the castle, manor house and cathedral in a collection spread over four rooms.

It displays and sells work by living artists who create medieval arts and crafts such as illumination, stained glass, painting, museum-standard historical jewellery, arms and armour, furniture, and wall hangings all under one roof.

Artists featured in the gallery have previously existed in places like The Tower of London, Stirling Castle, Fountains Abbey, Salisbury Cathedral, Bath Abbey, The Royal Armouries and Hampton Court Palace.

There are some craft objects for sale too, and visitors could buy brass rubbings from one of the monumental brasses in the country.

Speaking in October 2017, Steve Beer, who had previously worked in Westminster Abbey and the Royal Museums Greenwich, said: "I studied Medieval Art at university, love the period and saw that a lot of people were fascinated too.

"Just witness the number of TV documentaries on the subject and on the world of art, as well as the huge number of visitors that throng to castles and cathedrals every year.

"The period's art strives for a beauty and spirituality that resonates with many people, and its complex symbolism embraces many ideas."

The gallery is based at the oldest building on Dunster's ancient High Street, dating back to 1323.