St Andrew

The Norman south doorway denotes the early origins of the church but the building is largely Perpendicular - the nave, north and south aisles are C15.

A fairly precise date can be deduced for the north aisle - since one of the capitals to its arcade is carved with arms of Prideaux, Hody and Spencer probably to commemorate the marriage in the mid C15 of William Prideaux to Alice the Giffard heiress whose ancestors these were.

The windows of much of the church appear to have been restored in the C17.

The smaller south aisle - known as the Thuborough aisle from tne seat of the Prideaux - probably C15 but somewhat earlier.

North aisle has 4 tall C17 3-light mullion windows.

East end of aisle has C17 3-light debased Perpendicular granite window.

It has two 3-light C17 mullion windows and a blocked priest's door inbetween incorporating a small carving apparently of a bishop's head.

The soutn wall of nave also has a C17 3-light window towards the west end.

A datestone of 1630 set into the west end wall of the south aisle may denote when tnese windows were put in.

Interior: porch has partly restored medieval wagon roof with moulded ribs and unusual bosses formed by quatrefoils with a central carved image.

Simple C12 south doorway with semi-circular tympanum chamfered jambs and projecting imposts.

5-bay granite north arcade of Pevsner A-type piers with carved wreathed capitals and 4-centred moulded arches.

Good trefoiled piscina in east wall of chancel. flagon roof over north aisle restored but retains some of its moulded ribs and carved bosses.

Good carved bench ends throughout, some restored, mainly displaying heraldic devices of local families such as De Esse, Gifford, Spencer, Churchill, Prideaux and Edgecumbe.

Fine C16 carved pulpit supported on stem with 4 carved brackets in form of mythical creatures.

Rood screen to nave is largely a restoration but some of the Medieval work survives in the panels.

Octagonal C15 granite font with carved panels on tapering shaft.

SS3411 : Sutcombe, St. Andrew's Church: Octagonal granite font 4

© Michael Garlick

East window of south aisle has Medieval stained glass reset in its head, displaying the arms of De Esse, Spencer, Churchill and Downey.

SS3411 : Sutcombe, St. Andrew's Church: Stained glass window 4, medieval fragments

© Michael Garlick

Medieval Barnstaple floor tiles to nave, chancel and east end of both aisles.

To either side of the east window in south aisle are wall memorials to members of the Prideaux family both of similar design with large obelisks above a slate plaque and armorial shield below.