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Walking the Lanes: in Search of the Medieval Church (S Devon Branch)
Thu. 21 November 2024 at 2:15 pm
£2 – £4
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A talk to be given by Dr Sue Andrew. This richly-illustrated talk will consider the difficulties and delights of seeking out the medieval church in Devon. Much of the church’s medieval decoration was lost at the Reformation in the sixteenth century, in periods of iconoclasm in the seventeenth century and at subsequent re-orderings, but there are remarkable survivals in remote places which can help us reconnect with the religion of our forebears.
This talk replaces the presentation that Keith Metcalfe was to give us about military medals as he is currently indisposed.
The cost will be £2 for DA members, £4 for non-members.
Report on the talk
Much has been written about well known religious buildings such as Exeter Cathedral but Sue believes every church reserves researching. Her talk concentrated on churches in Devon in places that began with a “B”.
We were taken, among others, to Bere Ferrers church with its Norman font, Bondleigh church with its Norman carving and to Bovey Tracey church. This local church is quite grand compared to others and the lower screen and dado have been re-coloured showing what they would have looked like originally. In the nineteenth century when they were carrying out some redecoration, they found wall paintings of St Michael and St Mary. These were framed to preserve them and can still be seen in the church. Wall paintings are rare as they were often painted over during Oliver Cromwell’s time or they have just deteriorated over time.
Sue took the audience all around Devon, showing Norman fonts in several churches, churches that stood alone as the village they served has disappeared and carved figures whose meaning has been lost in time. Several churches had elements similar to churches in Brittany and it is known that Breton craftsmen did work in Devon.
Devon is full of interesting churches that can be visited. Some are always open, some you have to book in advance but all are worth a visit.
Chris Reader
November 2024