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St Andrew

Sampford Courtenay

Devon

Early C16 restored in l899.

Architectural Features

At which phase the tower was built is not entirely clear, its stonework corresponds to that of the south aisle and porch and it may well have been added as part of the high quality early C16 re-modelling.

In 1831 the rood screen was removed later to be partially reconstructed by Herbert Read of Exeter.

North aisle has three 3-light early C16 tall granite mullion windows with segmental heads and square hoodmoulds.

These have foliage carved capitals apart from the most easterly arch which has moulded cup capitals.

The Polyphant piers have 4-petal flower carving to their capitals apart from the most easterly which is plain.

The nave chancel and north aisle retain their medieval wagon roofs.

Those to the nave and chancel have carved 4 petal flower decoration to ribs and large carved bosses of various designs.

Carved wall plates in foliage or trailing vine designs.

The ceilure and timber arch over the nave- chancel division and the carved angels below each rib to the chancel are late C19.

Above the south aisle is a probably early C16 flat panelled ceiling with carved flowers to ribs and foliage or floral bosses.

Dividing it from the south aisle is the rebuilt C15 wooden screen which has had substantial parts reconstructed although some of the outer framework still has early green and red colouring to it.

Although a new pulpit was ordered by the rector in 1831 the existing mahogany pulpit appears to be of Cl8 date though it has been put on an oak base.

C12 square tub font of Purbeck marble with arcading to sides on later octagonal granite pedestal and case.

C18 marble wall memorial on south chapel wall to Rev. John Heath and his sister Hannah who died 1772 and 1768.

This is an important medieval church with impressive exterior and a good interior.