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St Mary

Hemyock

Devon

Early Norman tower

Architectural Features

C15 alterations largely destroyed when the church was partially rebuilt to designs by Richard Carver of Taunton

although extensive, Carver's work respected certain intriguing peculiarities of the medieval plan Random rubble flint, Ham Hill stone dressings

The tower has early Norman arches to the north, south and east.

The puzzle is complicated further by the existence of a medieval flight of stairs that runs from the tower porch to what is now a west nave gallery

the point at which the stairs enter the nave west wall is between the line of the present south arcade and the south impost of the Norman east tower arch.

Blocked Norman arch to north.

2-light square-headed belfry openings, C15, that to the south blocked by an inserted clock face.

chancel with C19 fenestration except for the east window, which may be medieval, with uncusped intersecting tracery.

4-bay north side, the easternmost north window possibly early C16, the others C19.

The wide arch between chancel and north chancel chapel is wide, with an openwork trumeau, perhaps early C16.

Norman tower arches, unchamfered flat imposts, capitals with chamfer, the abaci narrow but set deeply into the walls.

Other medieval work includes a pointed and cusped recess in the sanctuary east wall

early C13 front, probably of Purbeck marble

Glass: An important 1840s east window with armorial shields, completely pre- Ecclesiological.

Monuments: sanctuary north, plaque with a shelf above supporting the scholar's books : opposite it a marble mural monument to various members of the Rayner family.