ALL SAINTS CHURCH, WEST ALVINGTON - This Old Church on Waymarking.com

All Saints church can be found in the village of West Alvington in South Devon. There is evidence that a church stood on the site in 909 AD. The present fine building is Early Perpendicular & was remodelled in the 15th century. The remains of the earlier 13th century stone-work can be seen by the piscina. The whole church was extensively restored in 1867 at a cost of two thousand six hundred pounds when the roofs, screen & seating were replaced. It consists now of tower - with belfry - nave, two aisles, parts of the original rood screen, a chapel set apart for the Ilbert family, chancel & a vicar's vestry added in the 19th century.

The square West tower has three stages with a crenellated parapet - which rises to 53ft - & is supported by set-back buttresses. At the top are four crocketted pinnacles which are, unusually, 20ft high. The 2-light cinquefoiled belfry lights have probably been restored. It is entered by a 15th century 2-centred arched West doorway above which is a Perpendicular window.

The six bells were installed by the Ilbert family in 1775, & were rehung in 1877 at a cost of sixty five pounds, all the money being raised by public subscription. For over 50 years the bellringers of the parish have been renowned for excellent ringing & have won many trophies.

The 15th century 2-storey crenellated porch has a large round-headed doorway with a image niche above it containing the figure of St Hugh of Lincoln with his swan. This was erected in memory of Revd Hugh Lethbridge, a former vicar of the parish. Inside, there is a small niche in the left wall, & unusually, a fireplace in the right front corner because the porch was for some time used as the School room. At the end, a small doorway with s shouldered head leads to a stairway to the room above, which was a rest room for visiting preachers. The large South doorway has a heavy planked oak iron-studded door with the original lock casing.

The late medieval 15th century octagonal stone font has eight panels, decorated with leaves, surrounding the lead-lined bowl. Four of these are very crudely carved & were possibly turned to the wall when the font was originally placed under the tower. The supporting column & base are recent additions. The lid of iron-studded oak is probably 19th century.

All the main windows are Perpendicular design, some to the North retain the original tracery, others have been restored. The East window of 5-lights depicts the Saints in Suffering, the Saints in Labour & the Saints in Glory designed in 1867. The West window in the tower represents the Resurrection.

The altar is made as a strong simple table. In the South wall is a 13th century piscina & an inset bench with chamfered arches over, & a small priest's door with 2-centred head. There is a Purbeck marble canopied tomb, rare in Devon, set into the North wall.

Date the Church was built, dedicated or cornerstone laid: 01/01/0909 Age of Church building determined by?: Church staff member If denomination of Church is not part of the name, please provide it here: Church of England Street address of Church: West Alvington Kingsbridge, Devon England TQ If Church is open to the public, please indicate hours: Not listed If Church holds a weekly worship service and "all are welcome", please give the day of the week: Not listed Indicate the time that the primary worship service is held. List only one: Not Listed Primary website for Church or Historic Church Building: Not listed Secondary Website for Church or Historic Church Building: Not listed

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Date Logged Log User Rating   07/30/2008 plymplodder visited it

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