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St Mary The Virgin

Burlescombe

Devon

Whole is C15 but not all the same phase, some C16 modernisation, tower

Architectural Features

porch refurbished in 1677.

concrete tile roof, formerly slate.

Present chancel was built in the late C15.

The earliest 1638 accords with the known date that the bells were rehung and therefore the date of 1677 is thought to be that of the doorway.

Above the plaque is a Hamstone 3-light window with Perpendicular tracery and a hoodmould with label stops carved as human heads.

The round-headed Hamstone outer arch is a simpler version of that in the tower and is probably contemporary Above, a probably C15 Beerstone niche with crocketted canopy and above that a Beerstone panel carved with sunken quartrefoils containing heraldic arms.

The north doorway is a Tudor arch with moulded surround and contains C19 doors.

carved as foliage and interrupted by a series of angels holding shields.

Both aisles have C15 ceiled wagon roofs with moulded purlins and ribs and carved oak bosses

The south aisle roof has a moulded wall plate but the north aisle wall plate is carved and interrupted by carved angels holding shields.

The sanctuary floor is made up of patterns of C19 encaustic tiles.

Sandstone reredos carved in Gothic style was erected in memory of Isabella Macritchie Ornately-carved C18 altar table with claw feet.

A part of the original oak rood screen has been set across the front of the present chancel.

The Gothic style sandstone pulpit was erected to commemorate the 1887 Jubilee.

Oak C19 eagle lectern.

C19 oak benches, their ends carved with blind Gothic tracery.

Good C15 Hamstone font

octagonal bowl carved with sunken quatrefoils, panelled stem with corner pilasters and 2-step plinth.

The Ayshford chapel altar is a good C17 table with carved bulbous legs and inlaid marquetry frieze.

Monuments: in the sanctuary an undated chest tomb in memory of William Ashford Black marble lid and the Beerstone sides are carved as a blind crocketted arcade containing a series of angels with shields.

Two good C17 mural monuments in the Ayshford Chapel.

They feature carved figures kneeling each side of a prayer desk and set in ornate architectural frames surmounted by the Ayshford arms.

Most of the stained glass is C19 but some earlier glass is preserved in the tracery.