Architectural Features
circa later C15, restored in 1871.
Features such as the lancet windows, and the nook-shafts to some of the internal window openings suggest some of the fabric at the church may be C13 but the church was probably extended
partially rebuilt in circa 1333 when Sir William de Ferrers founded an archpresbytery.
The Cruciform plan may, however, date back to the C13
it is debatable whether the north chapel and tower also do so but from the style of its tomb the chapel is no later than early C14 and the tower is pre- Perpendicular.
The south aisle was built on in the circa late C15 and the porch is probably contemporary.
At the west end of the nave on the north side of the tower is a C13 granite lancet with cusped head.
On the north side of the chancel are 2 identical C13 2-light windows with cusped lancets and a quatrefoil above.
Very fine early C14 east window in granite of 5 lights with intersecting tracery, some mullions have been restored.
The porch has a good wooden ribbed ceiling, richly moulded with carved bosses, and showing the arms of the Ferrers family: three horseshoes.
The north transept arch is probably early C14 built of Roborough stone with a lower more acute 4-centred arch heavily moulded and with jambs consisting of three shafts, each with a shallow moulded capital.
this dates probably to the late C15 and may have formed part of an altar.
At present standing in the transept is a large stone slab carved on one side with hexagonal tracery at the centre of which are 3 daisy-like flowers
Just inside the transept on the west wall is a circa early C17 stone fireplace with basket arch, recessed spandrels and roll hollow and roll moulding.
"Just inside the transept on the west wall is a circa early C17 stone fireplace with basket arch, recessed spandrels and roll hollow and roll moulding." https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1163103
Of the C15 rood screen only 2 sections of the panelling survive on which traces of painted figures survive.
The front pew on the south side is carved with shields at either end, that on the aisle side has the coat of arms of the Willoughby de Broke family, 4 horseshoes and 5 rudders.
The church has several fine memorials of varying dates.
Sir William de Ferrers and his wife Matilda who founded arch-presbytery would seem the most likely but as Beatrice Cresswell points out the clothing is of a different style to that of their representation in the C14 window and may well be older.
This could suggest the first William de Ferrers, living in 1243, and his wife Isolda.
In the gable are 2 censing angels.
Stylistic elements of this tomb appear in the St James' Chapel of circa 1320 in Exeter Cathedral.
It has been suggested that this represents Sir Reginald de Ferres who died probably early in the C14.
Its inscription appears to have been erased but it is reputed to be that of Robert, Second Baron Willoughby de Broke who died in 1522.
The church is also notable for its C14 stained glass in the east window which among other things depicts Sir William de Ferrers holding a church, and his wife Matilda with the Latin inscription "Wills Fereys me fecit". (For a detailed description of the glass see "A History of Bere Ferrers Parish").
This glass is reputedly the oldest in Devon except for a few of the windows in Exeter Cathedral.
The girdle tub font is circa late Norman built of Hurdwick stone.
"The girdle tub font is circa late Norman built of Hurdwick stone. The girdle is low set and decorated with nail-head ornament. Above are 4 projecting volutes one of which has broken; below is a leaf ornament" https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1163103 ; the church is grade I listed. David Ross https://www.britainexpress.com/counties/devon/churches/bere-ferrers.htm also describes it thoroughly and writes: "at first glance I thought the font was an up-ended tree trunk!" I fear this is rather blurred; I should have tried flash.
C14 fabric.