Welcome to the church of St. Mary,

High Bickington North Devon

St. Mary's Church - Flag


St. Marys Church across the Village


The Alter of St. Marys Church


St. Marys Church Flower Festival

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A Millennium of History awaits your visit.

May we welcome you to this place of Christian Worship, which was originally built in Saxon times.

King Athelstan (925 - 940), grandson of Alfred the Great, resided for a time at Umberleigh and in about 930 he gave land to support a priest and build a church for High Bickington and Atherington. At about 1100 AD, after the Norman's had reorganised the conquered Saxon lands, a stone building was errected on the present site

During the 15th Century the Church was substantially altered and enlarged. The north aisle was added and the present south tower was erected. The old Norman tower was truncated to eaves height and this now forms the vestry.
There are about 78 magnificent carved panels, used mainly for pew-ends but also incorporated into wooden furnishings. Mediaeval churches did not always have pews and contemporary illustrations show the congregation standing. Some churches had stone benches around the walls but there is no sign of such at St. Mary's, which may have had pews usually early. The panels belong to different sets, and are of different ages. Some may have come from chapels and monasteries closed at the time of the Dissolution - 1536 - 1550.
Fees for burials were according to means and it is recorded in the 18th century that one burial for a person worth £40 cost ten shillings. In todays terms, such a burial would have cost £2,000!

In 1839 a pulpit was set up where the priest's stall now stands. When it was removed to its present position in 1942, a workmans letter was found beneath the pulpit, and this is now displayed at the back of the church.
By 1700 the Parson had an income from "Glebe" land and every person over the age of 16 was expected to give two pence to the Church regularly.

There are many beautifully embroidered kneelers worked by the ladies of St. Mary's Guild. The general theme is "The Countryside", interpreted in terms of birds, animals, flowers, sports and buildings. Each kneeler has a rose emblem worked into one corner - this being the ancient symbol for St. Mary.

The Pulpit was "rescued" from the war-time blitz of Exeter, in 1942 and was placed in its present position in memory of the Reverend C.V.Wansborough.

The Church Clock, which was recently restored, is a 17th century table-frame mechanism, with an anchor escapement and a six foot long pendulum. The weights are lifted by automatic electric winches, thus saving the villagers a considerable amount of time and effort in lifting by hand. There is a useful guide to the history of High Bickington and the Church, which is for sale in the Church.

St. Mary's Church - South Door

St. Mary's Church - East Door - decorated for flower festival

St. Mary's Church is part of the Two Rivers Team and is within the Dioscese of Exeter.

The Team Vicar is Mike Clark.

Visit Exeter Cathedral web page at:-
www.exeter.anglican.org

For further information on       this months services go to

For some recent events go to

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