St Andrew's, Yarnscombe, Devon
Parish Church of St Andrew's, Yarnscombe
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St Andrew's, Yarnscombe is a Grade II* parish church. The nave, chancel and transeptal north tower probably date from the 13th century, while the south aisle and porch are 15th century. A vestry was added in 1846. The position of the tower is unusual for Devon. |
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A fragment of 15th century medieval stained glass, which include armorial bearings and a winged figure, is set into the east window of the south aisle. |
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The stained glass of the east window commemorates three members of the Loveband family. The inscription reads: MA Born June 7 1821 Died Aug 25 1878 and of Phillis Jane his Wife Born Dec 27 1824 Died April 6 1903 and of Anthony William their son Born Feb 14 1852 Died 6 May 1867 |
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The 15th century font is octangonal in shape and retains its old lead lining. Four of the eight faces are carved with trefoils and quatrefoils |
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A few 16th century Barnstaple relief tiles survive at the east end of aisle. Designs include the fleur-de-lys and a Tudor rose. |
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On the north wall of the chancel is a tomb recess with a damaged slab of Purbeck marble dating from the 15th century. According to William Rogers'sThe Ancient Sepulcharal Effigies and Monumental and Memorial Sculpture of Devon, published in 1877, the inscription reads:
Hic Jacet Johes Cokworthie quondam ____ Regis |
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The oak parish chest with iron banding dates from the 13th century. |
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The sundial above the door to the south porch dates from 1788. The inscription at the bottom reads:A. Loveband, G. Chick, C. Wardens, H. Berry fecit. |
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This 17th century chest tomb stands south of the chancel. The granite top shows traces of a carved border, however, any inscription the tomb may have had is now illegible. |
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The churchyard of St Andrew's, Yarnscombe has a significant number of anonymous gravestones dating from the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Similar anonymous stones can be found at St Giles in the Wood. This slate gravestone from the late 18th century is Grade II listed and is inscribed as follows: long been And God hath our afflictions seen But Christ by Death hath set us free To live we hope Eternally The debt we have paid is due from all Therefore prepare till Death shall call. |
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This anonymous gravestone dates from the early 19th century and is Grade II listed. The inscription reads: and a friend sincere A kind indulgent Father lieth here In hopes releas'd from sorrow sin & pain Eternal happiness through Christ to gain Let friend forbear to moun & weep While sweetly in the dust they sleep This toilsome world I left behind A crown of Glory for to find Blessed are the Dead which die in the Lord Weep not for us our Children dear Look on your tender Parents here And live in love & in God's fear That we in heaven may all appear Were everlasting joy abound And sorrow shall no more be found |
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Although this anonymous gravestone is not listed, it is similar to the other early 19th century anonymous stones in the churchyard, and is inscribed as follows: Death is to me no lost but gain Here I do lie and free from pain Till Christ shall rise me up again In Pain and Sickness Long I layed My Flesh consume my lungs decayed With Patience to the last he did submit And murmurd not at what the Lord thought fit |
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Yet another Grade II listed anonymous slate gravestone dating from the early 19th century. The inscription reads: I pray forbear to grieve For in my pain I did complain Till God did me relieve I pray be cool do not lament All must submit you see When God doth please your life to call Come here and sleep by me |
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Because of lichen and weathering, this early 19th century Grade II listed slate gravestone has become difficult to read. Part of the inscription is included in the National Heritage List for England description: And like the sun is soon again to rise |
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