3-052-774 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Swymbridge Church, North Devon, 1880. 'This village church, near Barnstaple, dates from about 1465 A.D., and is of the Perpendicular style of architecture. It consists of nave, north and south aisles, chancel, south chancel aisle, north transept, vestry, porch, and tower, surmounted by a wooden spire, covered with lead, having a peal of five bells. The pulpit is of stone, richly carved with figures of the Evangelists. A most beautiful oak screen extends across the nave and aisles. It is of marvellously delicate work, which has been greatly mutilated by cutting away some of the carving. The font, which is of very singular design, is of stone lined with lead, covered in and having a canopy of oak carved with fantastic work, dating from the time of Elizabeth or James I. This ancient church greatly needs thorough restoration, at the estimated cost of £2700; and those interested in the work, having exhausted all means at their disposal in the parish, which is agricultural, are compelled to appeal to the public for £600. Contributions will be gratefully acknowledged by the Vicar, the Rev. John Russell (now aged eighty-four), or by the Curate, the Rev. W. B. Vere Stead, at Swymbridge, near Barnstaple, North Devon'. From "Illustrated London News", 1880.