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St. Michael and All Angels Church, Alphington

A brief history

By Rowena Jay

Alphington Church

A Church has existed in the village since about 1100 but the present Church was built around 1480 and is dedicated to St. Michael. The parishioners and the Earl of Devon who contributed £700 paid for the building work, this is why the porch displays the Courtenay Arms. The west end of the Church was probably built in the late 14th century. The porch also has an upper story with a basin for holding holy water (Stoup). There is also an ancient stone basin (Piscine) in the south wall of the chancel for draining water. The screen across the tower arch was made from the remains of the former Jacobean gallery demolished in 1875. The rood-screen is 15th century but the north aisle screen may have come from another church as it is different in design and execution. There are tablets to the memory of several past residents of the parish: John W. Ellicombe, esq. he was an ensign in 40th regiment of foot and was killed in a battle in Holland in 1799; Rev. W. Ellicombe was rector of the parish for 51 years and died in 1831 aged 86, Hannah was his wife and she died 1821 aged 70. In the north aisle there is a mural monument of white marble dedicated to the memory of Henry Northleigh, esq. of Peamore, M.P. 1693 and opposite is a tablet to the memory of Master Robert Northleigh, of Matford Dinham in the parish, 1639.

Fire and lightning

In 1826 the tower was struck by lightning resulting in four bell ringers being injured and a young boy was killed. The Church tower was repaired in 1852 but an inspection in 1887 concluded that the church was in an extreme state of disrepair and burials both outside and in the internal vaults should be discontinued. Excessive use of the burial grounds had not only undermined the Church's foundations but also produced a nasty smell in the Church. It was also stated in the report that the vaults inside the church should be cemented over. Even the furniture came under attack. The Church was restored at a cost of about £3000 and re-opened on the 25th July 1878. During the restoration work in 1884 the wall stencilling was produce by John Hayward and Son and the tiled floor by Harry Hems from Longbrook Street. Charles Cole was a well-known bell ringer and he was also the Sexton for 50 years, members of his family held this post for over 200 years. Charles Cole died in January 1917. An arsonist attacked the Church on Monday 6th October 1986. The roof, centre and south aisles, vestry and organ were severely damaged. When the restoration was complete the first service took place on the eve of the feast of St. Michael on Monday 28th September 1987.

The Bells

Prior to 1550 there were five bells hung but in 1749 eight bells were recast from these by Bilbie of Cullumpton. This was the largest peel in the country at that time. In 1939 they were restored at a cost of £525 4s 11d.

The Clock

The first clock was put in place in 1710 at a cost of £16 1s 5d and a clockmaker was paid 15/- per year to make sure it kept good time. After a newer clock was fitted in c. 1798, costing £12 12s 1d, the maintenance was taken over by the Sexton and cost 10/6. The clock was dismantled and cleaned in 1939 after dust had settle between the cogs after the bells were removed for recasting.

The Beer Stone Font

This is said to be one of finest Beer Stone Fonts in Devon. It is Saxon or early Norman and decorated with interfaced arches, scroll ornaments and figures over the arches. There is also a copy of the Beer stone font in the Temple Church in London.

The Vestry

This was added in 1878 when the church was restored.

The Lady Chapel

This was restored in 1930 using panelling found in the rectory. In 1936 the Bonus' family added six carved oak pews.

Church Registers

These date from 1603 and are now in the Exeter City Library.

The Church Yard

The first extension was made in 1870 when the Eight Bells Inn and cottages were demolished. In 1887 when major renovations were made to the Church the Churchyard was extended once more. The original wall and gateway can still be seen half way up into the Churchyard. An extended cemetery was opened in 1906.

Research for this web page was carried out in local Libraries and Studies Libraries. Read more about Alphington Church in my book "Alphington History and Memories".