Dean Prior, Devon
Church of St George the Martyr, Dean Prior, Devon was first recorded by the Bishop in 1186 as part of the possession of the Priory of Plympton. The first known priest, Gervase of Crediton, was ordained in 1261. Of his church, however, only the late 13c / early 14c west Tower and font remain.
The remainder was rebuilt in 15c on the site of the Norman church, followed by 17c alterations and heavily restored in late 19c when the south porch was built.
The two stage tower has a central polygonal stair-turret on the south side, with bell openings and an embattled parapet.
The 12c red sandstone Norman font is intricately carved with frieze crosses, Saltire and two elongated dragons. The font cover, much restored, dates from 17c . www.flickr.com/gp/52219527@N00/pRT0h47m28
The poet Robert Herrick 1591 - 1674 was vicar here from 1629-1647 when he was evicted during the Cromwellian period, returning after the Restoration of the monarchy in 1662 to the end of his life. In those days the parish population was about 400 people - now the population has reduced to approx 160.
Robert Herrick composed the epitaph to his patron Sir Edward Giles 1637, lord of the manor, and his wife Mary Northcote who kneel with their son on the south nave wall. www.flickr.com/gp/52219527@N00/7hxf22E34r
The great yew tree in the churchyard was planted in 1780.
The lych gate was built last century www.flickr.com/gp/52219527@N00/28v4i8082n and replaced the church house and almshouses.
The village surrounding the church, once included a school, and many cottages, these were all pulled down to build the new A38 Devon Expressway, between Exeter and Plymouth. . leaving the church lying directly to the left of the main road,
The interior has plastered walls. The four bay north and south arcades with low monolithic granite octagonal piers, have crude uncarved octagonal capitals and double-chamfered two-centred arches. The arch-braced nave and aisle roofs appear to be 19c www.flickr.com/gp/52219527@N00/E1u57FT4Co The late 19c / early 20c furnishings include:- painted wooden reredos and wainscoting in chancel, www.flickr.com/gp/52219527@N00/8aVTN26byc carved choir stall ends and octagonal pulpit.
Herrick is buried in an unmarked grave in the churchyard but is now remembered with a wall memorial and glass in the east chancel window
Janice Dennis www.findagrave.com/cemetery/2368069/st-george-the-martyr-...
Dean Prior, Devon
Church of St George the Martyr, Dean Prior, Devon was first recorded by the Bishop in 1186 as part of the possession of the Priory of Plympton. The first known priest, Gervase of Crediton, was ordained in 1261. Of his church, however, only the late 13c / early 14c west Tower and font remain.
The remainder was rebuilt in 15c on the site of the Norman church, followed by 17c alterations and heavily restored in late 19c when the south porch was built.
The two stage tower has a central polygonal stair-turret on the south side, with bell openings and an embattled parapet.
The 12c red sandstone Norman font is intricately carved with frieze crosses, Saltire and two elongated dragons. The font cover, much restored, dates from 17c . www.flickr.com/gp/52219527@N00/pRT0h47m28
The poet Robert Herrick 1591 - 1674 was vicar here from 1629-1647 when he was evicted during the Cromwellian period, returning after the Restoration of the monarchy in 1662 to the end of his life. In those days the parish population was about 400 people - now the population has reduced to approx 160.
Robert Herrick composed the epitaph to his patron Sir Edward Giles 1637, lord of the manor, and his wife Mary Northcote who kneel with their son on the south nave wall. www.flickr.com/gp/52219527@N00/7hxf22E34r
The great yew tree in the churchyard was planted in 1780.
The lych gate was built last century www.flickr.com/gp/52219527@N00/28v4i8082n and replaced the church house and almshouses.
The village surrounding the church, once included a school, and many cottages, these were all pulled down to build the new A38 Devon Expressway, between Exeter and Plymouth. . leaving the church lying directly to the left of the main road,
The interior has plastered walls. The four bay north and south arcades with low monolithic granite octagonal piers, have crude uncarved octagonal capitals and double-chamfered two-centred arches. The arch-braced nave and aisle roofs appear to be 19c www.flickr.com/gp/52219527@N00/E1u57FT4Co The late 19c / early 20c furnishings include:- painted wooden reredos and wainscoting in chancel, www.flickr.com/gp/52219527@N00/8aVTN26byc carved choir stall ends and octagonal pulpit.
Herrick is buried in an unmarked grave in the churchyard but is now remembered with a wall memorial and glass in the east chancel window
Janice Dennis www.findagrave.com/cemetery/2368069/st-george-the-martyr-...