Architectural Features
tile roof.
Exterior: unbuttressed west tower is 2 stages with an embattled parapet and carved gargoyles.
it is probably late C17.
The wagon roof of the porch maybe C15 but restored.
moulded ribs and purlins with carved and gilded bosses.
The chancel roof and ceilure in the neighbouring section of the nave is more ornate with crossbraces and crestwork around the panels and a carved openwork wall plate interrupted by carved angels playing instruments.
Ringing loft of tower has C16 intersecting beam floor.
moulded piers (Pevsner's type B) carved foliate caps and carved bosses have been set in the springing between the arches.
Floor is flagged in nave and aisle but has C19 tiles in chancel which are more ornate in the sanctuary where the symbols of the Evangelists are featured.
Good rood screen although somewhat restored.
, the windows have slender Perpendicular tracery (Pevsner's type B), the coved canopy has Gothic ornamentation and the frieze has 3 bands of delicately carved openwork foliage with crest and vallance.
Late C19 oak stalls are Gothic in style with poppyhead finials, and carved blind tracery to the bench ends and frontals.
There is a reading desk here in the chancel with a canopy carved in Gothic style.
The lectern and font cover are in the same style, the letter dated 1897.
ST0801 : St Mary, Payhembury, Devon - Font
Pulpit is C18
an octagonal drum pulpit with fielded panel sides and sounding board.
Some of the benches are heavily restored C15 but most are late C19 copies
all have carved tracery on the bench ends.
The Beenstone font has an octagonal bowl with carved quatrefoils in the side and panelled stem
The font cover is complete with 1897 lifting chain, pulley and counterweights.
Good C17 chest in tower.
Memorials: very good monument on north side of sanctuary in memory of Dorothy Gosill and her son Timothy who was vicar of the parish.
It is a white and black marble large sarcophagus on which are 2 carved cherubs holding medallions containing profiles of the deceased against a background of drapery.
Other C19 memorials of only local interest.
It is C18 and probably contemporary with the Royal Arms of George II over the south door.
Some C19 stained glass and tracery of north aisle contains C15
C16 glass including some complete figures.