Hartstongue - Mid Devon Groups

A church has been on the site of St Thomas' since Saxon times. It sits amidst the rolling mid-Devon hills, surrounded by trees and the obligatory parliament of rooks. The current Grade I listed building was enlarged in about 1180 by William de Tracey as penance for his part in the murder of Archbishop Thomas a Becket. De Tracey, one of the four knights who murdered Becket, owned several manors in Devon and his legacy can be seen elsewhere in other Devon churches such as Newton Tracey, Nymet Tracey etc.

Much of the current structure dates from further rebuilding in the 15th and 16th centuries, and most of the superb and historically important wood carvings date from the same period. These include the bench-ends, which display a great variety of subjects such as hands, monograms, scrolls and devices on shields. There is also a rare carving of a Saracen's head on one of the bench-ends. The main screen is exceptionally fine; it is carved on both sides and of national renown and importance.

https://exeter.anglican.org/directory-detail/?type=church&id=410

https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/8661/

: Last Updated: 25 July 2023; Hits: 518

St Bartholomew's Church is a very special and ancient building that dates back at least 800 years. Certainly to the Norman occupation. It is thought that, originally it was probably a chapel to the manor house. Since then the building has been extended a number of times including the addition of the tower and south aisle in 1410.

It contains some very unusual features including three original wooden arcades, these are only found in one other church in Devon and are dated at sometime between 1400 to 1500. The building also houses a Norman font and the Royal Coat of Arms dating from 1792. This was result of an act of Parliament that originated from Henry VIII's reign. This stipulated that all churches must declare the reigning monarch of the time, as the head of the Church of England.

https://www.middevonparish.co.uk/nymet-rowland/amenities-activities/st-bartholomews-parish-church/

https://exeter.anglican.org/directory-detail/?type=church&id=411

https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/8662/

: Last Updated: 25 July 2023; Hits: 367

A small and isolated church, restored and much rebuilt in 1867. Some older fabric remains at the east end, the tower dates from the 15th century. Comprises nave, chancel, north aisle with mortuary chapel, north porch and west tower. The interior dates mainly from the 1867 restoration, including the tiled floors, altar rails, choir stalls and pulpit. Seating includes some 18th century box pews.

The north aisle contains the family box pew of the Earls of Portsmouth, which now contains the organ. The font is Norman, restored in 1919.

There are two significant 17th century monuments to the Chichester family, and a large 18th century monument to William Fellowes in Italian marble.

https://www.littledartchurches.org.uk/eggesford.html

All Saints Eggesford EX18 7QU