Saint Michael And All Angels

This is modelled on the majestic medieval towers of Somerset and has three tall storeys, angle buttresses, and a demi-octagonal stair turret in the centre of the north face which rises up to the parapet.

The medieval piers were retained at the C19 rebuilding and are lozenge-shaped with shafts at the corners and a large wave moulding between.

In the capitals there are large angel busts.

Part of a medieval screen is used as the south parclose and has standard Perpendicular tracery.

The stone pulpit, now sadly shorn of its support, is a fine, ornate piece with carved figures of the Four Evangelists and St Michael.

The oak bench ends are square-headed and have borders of carved foliage running round them.

There are two fonts: that in use probably dates from the 1840s work and has a traceried octagonal bowl: the other font appears to be medieval and has a squatter bowl but also with tracery.

A number of minor monuments have been preserved from the old church, dating from the late C17 to the early C19.

A number of windows have stained glass, mostly C19 and the products of various makers.

HISTORY: The medieval church is represented by the survival of the piers, the rest of the church being a progressive redevelopment in the C19.

In 1924-5 the roof was restored and the galleries removed, The church is thus a multi-phase building which still retains significant traces of the ancient, medieval one in the form of the piers.

SOURCES: Cherry, B, and Pevsner, N, The Buildings of England: Devon, 393 REASONS FOR DESIGNATION: The Church of Saint Michael and All Angels, Heavitree, is designated at Grade II* for the following principal reasons: * It is of special interest as a large, multi-phase church which retains, in the piers, evidence of the medieval building * Most of the fabric is C19 and shows progressive development form the rebuilding in the 1840s to the extension of the chancel in the 1890s and includes a fine west tower.

The church building dates from the 1840s, with a later 19th century tower, but stands on a site of a medieval predecessor. The churchyard is known for its ancient yew, but the imposing tree visible in this photo is I think a cedar of Lebanon. https://heavitreequarrytrails.org.uk/st-michael-and-all-angels-church-heavitree/#:~:text=St%20Michael%20and%20All%20Angels%27%20Church%20Heavitree.%20St,of%20the%20yew%20tree%20near%20the%20church%20door.

© A J Paxton