St Michael & All Angels Church History
The majority of the church building dates from the 14th or early 15th century, and was built in local red sandstone. The chancel may well be the oldest part of the church, dating perhaps from the 13th century.
In 1846 the building was in such a poor state that it was described as being “a picture of desolation”, which prompted major restoration work in the 1850s and 1870s. Examples include the east window in the chancel which is a memorial to Henry Palk (rector 1848-1872) and the large 19th century buttress at the junction of the nave and the chancel on the south side.
In 1846 the building was in such a poor state that it was described as being “a picture of desolation”, which prompted major restoration work in the 1850s and 1870s. Examples include the east window in the chancel which is a memorial to Henry Palk (rector 1848-1872) and the large 19th century buttress at the junction of the nave and the chancel on the south side.
The Rood Screen
The amazing wooden screen between the nave and the chancel was first built in the 15th century, and is deeply carved with vines and other foliage. Like the rest of the church, the screen had also deteriorated badly by the mid 19th century, and underwent a major restoration and reconstruction first in 1892 by Herbert Read, and again by his grandson in 1962.
The medieval rood loft staircase and door still remain in the north wall.
The amazing wooden screen between the nave and the chancel was first built in the 15th century, and is deeply carved with vines and other foliage. Like the rest of the church, the screen had also deteriorated badly by the mid 19th century, and underwent a major restoration and reconstruction first in 1892 by Herbert Read, and again by his grandson in 1962.
The medieval rood loft staircase and door still remain in the north wall.
The Pulpit
The current pulpit dates from the beginning of the 20th century and was the work of Herbert Read who also restored the Rood Screen. It replaced an older 3-decker pulpit. The pulpit stands in memory of Col Lucas of Dunchideock House whose efforts made the restoration of the screen possible.
The current pulpit dates from the beginning of the 20th century and was the work of Herbert Read who also restored the Rood Screen. It replaced an older 3-decker pulpit. The pulpit stands in memory of Col Lucas of Dunchideock House whose efforts made the restoration of the screen possible.
The Stringer Lawrence Memorial
On the north wall, facing the main entrance to the church, is a very prominent memorial to Major General St Stringer Lawrence. Lawrence was a friend of Sir Robert Palk of Haldon House. Robert Palk made his fortune in India where he was at one time Governor of Madras. Lawrence is known as the real founder of the Indian army under British rule. He left India at the age of 69 in 1766 and lived in retirement at Haldon House. The Belvedere Tower on Haldon was erected by Palk in his memory in 1788
On the north wall, facing the main entrance to the church, is a very prominent memorial to Major General St Stringer Lawrence. Lawrence was a friend of Sir Robert Palk of Haldon House. Robert Palk made his fortune in India where he was at one time Governor of Madras. Lawrence is known as the real founder of the Indian army under British rule. He left India at the age of 69 in 1766 and lived in retirement at Haldon House. The Belvedere Tower on Haldon was erected by Palk in his memory in 1788
Other Memorials
Other memorials of note include:
Other memorials of note include:
- A striking commemoration of Marthe Bryant, described as the widow of Thrussle Kennaford, which was the name of Dunchideock House unti the 18th century
- Plaques on the west wall to the Bannatyne family, last owners of Haldon House which was demolished (apart from the kitchen wing) in 1925 and is now the Lord Haldon Hotel
- The east window and six plaques in the Lady Chapel commemorating members of the Pitman family, owners of Dunchideock House between 1690 and 1905
- A colourful wall plaque in the Lady Chapel commemorating Aaron Eli Baker who made his fortune in the East Indies and died in 1683.He restored the Lady Chapel in 1669.
The Roof
The roof contains some fascinating bosses which have been restored in colour. They include a number of women’s heads wearing a wimple around the chin as normally worn in the 14th century.
The roof contains some fascinating bosses which have been restored in colour. They include a number of women’s heads wearing a wimple around the chin as normally worn in the 14th century.
The Priest’s House
Just beyond the outer Church green stands the old Priest’s House, now converted into two cottages. It ceased to be the Rectory in 1791 when the living of the parish was amalgamated with that of Shillingford St George.
Just beyond the outer Church green stands the old Priest’s House, now converted into two cottages. It ceased to be the Rectory in 1791 when the living of the parish was amalgamated with that of Shillingford St George.
A more detailed Church Guide is available in the Church, priced at £2.
