Hatherleigh Devon
Looking east down the aisled nave - The north & south aisles are probably of slightly different dates because of the difference in their arcades, the south aisle being added first.
The presence of a second piscina in the south east corner is evidence of a chantry chapel in this corner of the building. It is believed to be connected with the medieval Guild of ‘The brotherhood of Saint Marie of Hatherleigh’, begun at least as early as 1399 when the chaplain was Robert Hereward a member of a local family who lived at Fishleigh in the parish.
A now blocked doorway in the south wall provided entrance to the chantry priests who sung daily masses for the members, living & dead
c1548 the chantry was abolished as a Catholic superstition and was incorporated within the rest of the church. The roof bosses and angels in this part of the wagon roof are original and were once brightly painted, .
The nave medieval wagon roof is remarkable. New oak timbers required to repair storm damage on 25th January of 1990 which saw the 54ft wooden spire of the tower come crashing down through the main roof, which left a 90ft hole and devastated the interior. A number of the pews beneath were smashed, stones from the parapet of the tower lay in the aisles, and pillars forming the south arcade developed a distinct lean. New timbers were inserted to support the roof and these have been left unstained. - the original timbers which were reused where possible. . The repair work which took 2 years was paid for with the support of English Heritage, insurers, and a well publicised fundraising appeal,
The section of the roof approaching the chancel is ornate and probably acted as a canopy of honour over the now lost rood screen and loft which was reached by the granite staircase entrance on the south wall, still in situ.
There are some beautifully carved early 16c pew ends in the centre aisle in the nave.
- Church of St John the Baptist, Hatherleigh Devon
Hatherleigh Devon
Looking east down the aisled nave - The north & south aisles are probably of slightly different dates because of the difference in their arcades, the south aisle being added first.
The presence of a second piscina in the south east corner is evidence of a chantry chapel in this corner of the building. It is believed to be connected with the medieval Guild of ‘The brotherhood of Saint Marie of Hatherleigh’, begun at least as early as 1399 when the chaplain was Robert Hereward a member of a local family who lived at Fishleigh in the parish.
A now blocked doorway in the south wall provided entrance to the chantry priests who sung daily masses for the members, living & dead
c1548 the chantry was abolished as a Catholic superstition and was incorporated within the rest of the church. The roof bosses and angels in this part of the wagon roof are original and were once brightly painted, .
The nave medieval wagon roof is remarkable. New oak timbers required to repair storm damage on 25th January of 1990 which saw the 54ft wooden spire of the tower come crashing down through the main roof, which left a 90ft hole and devastated the interior. A number of the pews beneath were smashed, stones from the parapet of the tower lay in the aisles, and pillars forming the south arcade developed a distinct lean. New timbers were inserted to support the roof and these have been left unstained. - the original timbers which were reused where possible. . The repair work which took 2 years was paid for with the support of English Heritage, insurers, and a well publicised fundraising appeal,
The section of the roof approaching the chancel is ornate and probably acted as a canopy of honour over the now lost rood screen and loft which was reached by the granite staircase entrance on the south wall, still in situ.
There are some beautifully carved early 16c pew ends in the centre aisle in the nave.
- Church of St John the Baptist, Hatherleigh Devon