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St Mary

Black Torrington

Devon

C16 possibly with some C14 fabric, restored in 1902-3.

Architectural Features

Gable-ended tile roof.

The church is basically a Perpendicular building but the transept may represent the remains of a C14 structure and there is evidence of Norman origins.

The south aisle was probably an early C16 addition.

North wall of nave has tall 3-light C17 straight-headed granite mullion windows.

The north transept has a large lateral stone stack on west wall and possible C14 Decorated 2-light north window.

It has a C15 2-light east window.

South aisle has tall C16 3-light granite mullions with segmental heads and buttresses inbetween wnich date from the restoration.

5-bay tall granite south arcade of Pevsner A-type piers with 4-centred moulded arches on capitals carved with raised diamond motif.

In transept is piscina wnich re-uses as its head a piece of stone carved with Norman zig-zag design.

South aisle has good wagon roof with carved ribs, bosses and wall- plate.

Modern carved pulpit with C17 cupola-shaped sounding board above.

C17 altar rails with moulded handrail and turned balusters now stand in front of font.

Octagonal C15 granite font with stringcourse at top of shaft carved with trefoiled panels.

Good slate memorial on north wall to members of Coham family who died at various times 1722 - 1768.

Beyond is another simpler memorial to Stephen Coham buried 1757.

At the west end is a long slate memorial with white fluted column to either side and cornice above.

On south wall are 3 more simpler early C19 memorials.