St Mary Steps

EXTERIOR: The church is very compact which reflects its constricted site just within the walls of medieval Exeter.

Then, over this comes a clock of 1619 in a square frame: the dial with the sun and five stars rotates with the sun pointing to the hour.

The figures round the dial probably represent Apollo and Diana, the god and goddess of the day and night, and Ceres and Minerva, the goddesses of agriculture and industry (Moreton).

In the centre are three figures, the central one seated: these are quarter jacks and date from 1620-21.

The figures are all armed - the central figure wears a breastplate and helmet and the flanking figures carry pikes.

The nave and chancel bosses are of the 15th century whereas those in the S aisle are from the 19th-century restoration.

PRINCIPAL FIXTURES: The oldest item in the church is the circular, slightly tapering Norman font which has four bands of varied ornament including a wavy trail, a band of blind arches and one of chevrons: the font cover was carved by the famous Exeter firm of Harry Hems.

That part between the aisle and S chapel is work of the 15th century but was only acquired in 1866 at the restoration.

It came from the medieval church of St Mary Major which used to stand near the W end of the cathedral but was demolished for a replacement.

The dado of the screen is decorated with figures in the typical late medieval Devon style.

The 19th-century altar in the chancel has an alabaster top while its frontal is tripartite with carvings of the Virgin and Child flanked by adoring angels.

The pulpit, of wine-glass type is of stone, has a traceried polygonal top and no doubts dates from the 19th-century restoration, The stained glass in the E window of the S chapel records a date of death of 1861.

That in the E window of the chancel replaces glass lost in the war and is the work of John Hayward, 1966, and depicts Christ in Majesty.

HISTORY: The church is mentioned in 1199.

The present building appears to date from the 15th century when the aisle, chapel and tower were probably added.

It was located opposite the west gate to the walled city and takes its name from the medieval street, then known as Stepcote Hill, immediately to the E. The room below the chancel formerly served as a porter's lodge.

Like other populous and prosperous towns and cities in medieval England, the formation of small parishes and the gifts of generous benefactors meant the scatter of many churches over old Exeter.

REASONS FOR DESIGNATION: The church of St Mary Steps, West Street, Exeter, is listed at Grade I for the following principal reasons: * It is of considerable interest as a small late medieval church which retains its original fabric although this was restored in the mid-19th century. * It is an example of one of Exeter's surviving medieval churches and is interesting in the way it completely fills its compact, irregular and steeply falling site.

When considered with the other surviving medieval churches, it is a powerful reminder of major English towns and cities were supplied with numerous places of worship. * It has several fixtures of interest which are visible signs of a long history stretching back some 800 years - a 12th-century font, 15th-century screen, 17th- and 18th-century clock and jacks, 19th-century restoration, and 20th-century reordering. * It has considerable group value with nearby listed buildings.