It is probable that most of the screens were the work of native
craftsmen, but there are some whose style shows distinct signs of
foreign influence. The beautiful screen at Harberton, for example,
suggests Spanish work or influence, that of Colebrook French, that of
Kenton Flemish, and that of Swymbridge Italian. While by far the greater
number are of the Perpendicular period, that of Washfield is Jacobean,
and that of Cruwys Morchard is Georgian. It is perhaps generally
considered that the magnificent screen at Kenton is the finest of all;
but it has a good many rivals which closely approach it in beauty of
design and in excellence of workmanship. Other splendid specimens, all
of them of great beauty, are those at Kentisbere, Hartland, Hemyock,
Swymbridge, Kingsnympton, Dartmouth, Honiton, Holbeton, Tawstock,
Lustleigh, Lapford, Pinhoe, and Uffculme. The last-named, which measures
sixty-seven feet, is the longest, and that at Welcombe is believed to be
the oldest, in the county.
Carved pulpits are another special feature of Devonshire churches. The
finest stone pulpit, which is at Harberton, contains, like the beautiful
examples at South Molton and Chittlehampton, full-length figures in
panels. Other good stone pulpits are at Pilton, Totnes, Paignton,
Dartmouth and elsewhere. Two particularly fine carved oaken pulpits
are those of Hartland and Kenton, the latter of which is very richly
decorated with gold and colour. There are also good specimens at East
Allington, Tor Bryan, Ipplepen, and Holne.
Ancient stained glass is very rare in Devon, much having been destroyed
by Puritan fanatics. The best which has survived is at Doddiscombeleigh,
where there are four very beautiful windows. There is also very good
glass at Cheriton Bishop and Budleigh; and some less striking but
noteworthy examples may be seen at Ashton, Christow, Cadbury, Manaton,
Atherington and other places. The great east window in Exeter Cathedral
contains some very fine coloured glass, and there are a few remains in
some of the clerestory windows.
Among the very striking recumbent effigies of warriors and churchmen
and great ladies to be found in our churches there are some not to be
surpassed in England; and the magnificent examples in Exeter Cathedral,
in particular, afford most valuable chronological studies both of
costume and of carving. Among the finest of those in the cathedral are
the splendid thirteenth century alabaster effigy of Bishop Bronescombe,
the fourteenth century mail-clad figures of Humphrey de Bohun and Sir
Richard Stapledon, and the sixteenth century effigy of Bishop Hugh
Oldham. Perhaps the grandest of those in parish churches, to name a
few only out of many, are the fourteenth century effigies of Sir Otho
Grandisson and his wife at Ottery St Mary, and the seventeenth century
figures of Denys Rolle and his wife at Bicton. Other fine effigies are
at Paignton, Broadclyst, Landkey, Tawstock, Haccombe, and Horwood and
the Seymour tomb at Berry Pomeroy.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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