YALE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY THE §Mrttynt Jlepljiftm! (Bjjijji^ AND Ittommmrtal m& ffitmmml ^intykn OF torn. BY W. H. HAMILTON EOGEKS, F.S.A, EXETEE : FEINTED EOE THE AUTHOE BY WILLIAM POLLAED, NOETH STEEET, MDCCCLXXVII. TO THE KIGHT HONOURABLE WILLIAM REGINALD EARL OF DEVON &c, &c , «.,., THIS YOLUME IS, BY SPECIAL PERMISSION, RESPECTFULLY INSCRIBED. PREFACE " See the life as lively mock'd as ever Still sleep mock'd death."— Shakespeare. Th-3 following pages are the contents of two Papers read at the College Hall, before the Exeter Diocesan Architectural Society, on " The Sepulchral Effigies in the Parish Churches of Devon, together with Notices of other Monumental and Memorial Sculpture found in the County," the first on 6th December, 1866, the other 23rd July, 1874, and afterwards printed in their Transactions. The last Paper (North Devon) contains also, for the purpose of ob taining as comprehensive a view as possible of the subject, a description of several other Sepulchral Effigies not found in Devon, but closely con nected with those represented in it. The two compilations, with an Appendix and some Genealogical Tables, are now brought together and offered to the general public in one volume, as a further small contribution toward the history of the County, by placing on record an account (as far as has been ascertainable) of the whole of the Antient Sepulchral Effigies, together with a considerable selection of other interesting forms of Monumental and Memorial Sculpture found within it. C'JLYTON, July 1877. Sepulchral Effigies of South Devon, Description of Parishes they are found in Sepulchral Effigies in North Devon, &c, Description of .. Parishes and Places they are found in ... Monumental and Memorial Sculpture of Devon, Tombs, Br Pages 1—23 24—42 43—61 .339—370 asses, Gravestones Coat-Armour, Badges, Merchants' Marks, Monograms, Inscriptions, &c. . Appendix Appendix I to IV Appendix V Appendix VI Sepulchral Effigies in the Cathedral... Genealogical Tables Monumental and Memorial Sculpture Micklegate Bar, York, Wakefield, and Towton St. Alban's Abbey Church... TewkesburyGlastonburyEffigies and Monumental Sculpture ... 61—338 42 371—375 376 SI 9 380 382 384384 390 INDEX. PAGE. PAGE. Abbotsham Bench ends .. 325 Berry-Pomeroy . Inscriptions . . . 165 Abbots-Biehmgtor Prideaux , . ., 205 u a Seidptures , . • " Abbotsbury . Strangeways . • .. 150 a a . Pomeroy . . " Albans St. , , 380 Bickleigh Carew . . , . . . 131 u St. Peter's Church . . .. 60 a a . . .. . . 211 Alwington Incised cross . . .. 314 i'i • . Eriseye . . . , " n Coffin shaped stone . . .. 256 n Court . 216 a Bury . . . . .. 314 Bideford , Grer.ville . 344 ,i .. Coffin .. .. 175 Bigbury . Arundell . . . 239 „ » . . • • .. 308 u . Bigbury . . ¦ " „ . Giffard .. .. 336 Bindon . Erie . 134 Anthony-East . Erchedeckne .. 227 n ¦ . Giffard .. • " Arlington . Balegh . . .. 339 a ¦ . Wyke .. . « Ashton . Chudleigh. . , .. 147 Bishops-Nympton Pollard .. . 193 a . Stourton .. 148 Boconnock . Mohun .. ,. . 120 Ashcombe . . Kirkham . . .. 138 u a . 329 Ashwater . Arscott . . .. 136 Bruunton . . Bourehier . . . . 84 a . Carminow . . .. 339 Broad-clyst Chudleigh . . , . 147 a Courtenay . , « a a . Nonant . . . . 26 Astley . Bonville .. 391 Bridport . Chideoek . . . . . . 152 „ . Grey " u . Dabridgecourt . 105 Atlierington . Bassett . , . . 243 Broacl-Mayne . Mohun .. . 123 i, . Champernowne . . .. 342 Bruton . » . . . . . 106 u . Willington » Branscombe Incised cross . 250 Aioliscombe . Chard .. .. 158 a , Neville . . . 247 Axminster . Mohun .. ..24, 106, 129 a . Wadham . 170 „ , Drake .. 207 fa) . u . 378 „ Waty . . . . .. 129 BHdford . Henry VIII. . 205 „ Yonge . . , , .. 270 Bradninclb . Norton . . . 268 Axmoxcth • Effigy in .. 24 Bradford Babernon . 299 „ > Mallack .. 246 a . Fortesoue . 352 n . Pyne ¦ • * n . Hengescot . 251 Andrew St. Mary Arches . . 30 a a . 299 Arches de . Bampton . . 86 a Pomeroy • " « a Exeter . . 332 a . Altar stones . 335 Arscott Ashwater -. 136 a . Bickf ord . 336 Arundell Bigbury . • . . .. 239 Broadwood- Widget Upcott . 345 u Chideoeh . . .. 149 Brampford-Speke . . Speke , 234 u East Anthony .. 228 Burlescombc . Ayshford . 123 „ Little Hempston 32 Buckland-Brewer . Dennys . 319 Audley Exeter .. 334 Bondleigh • Effioy *» . . . 345 A) shford Burlcseombe . . 123 Budleigh-East Incised cross . . . 255 „ , Courtenay . 130 i i . . Chiverston « Bampton . Bourehier 84 i / Dennis , * Barking . Beaufort .. 227 i i . Ford " Bableigh Risdon .. 317 i i a . 200 Barnstaple The 1'rlory .. 251 i i . Baleigh .. . 130 Beer Starre . . . . .. 177 i . St. Clero a Beer-Ferrers Ferrers . . 59, 228 i i a . 200 u a , . " . . . • .. 370 Brass Effigies,Anti 'lit Crewkcrnc . . . 270 a u . Champernowne . . .. 228 a a East- Uorsley . 320 a u . . Willoughby de Broke u u a Nonkltigh . 308 M II . Incised cross . . 235 a « Lav drake .. . 341 VI. INDEX. PAGE. PAGE. Brass Effigies, Antient Bigbury . . ., a u Braunton .» .. 239 .. 87 Canterbury Oath. . ,5 J> ' Bourehier ¦ • . Mohun . . .. 89 .. 347 „ „ The Cathedral .. 283 Catherstone . , Wadham .. 170 „ „ Clovelly .. 241 Calverleigh Southcott .. 286 „ „ Dartmouth , . .. 238 Callington . Willoughby de Broke ,. 345 „ „ Chittleh'tmpton . . .. 240 Christchurch Stourton . . . . .. 152 „ , Stoke- Fleming . . 237 Chudleigh . Courtenay .. 233 „ „ Stoke -in- Teignhead . . .. 240 Chardstoek . Tytherleigh . . .. 223 „ lt Thorncombe .. 245 Chantry, The, Exeier 257 „ „ Yealmpton .. 241 Chideock . Arundell . . . . .. 149 „ „ Atheringtoti .. 242 Chittlehumpton . . Giffard .. .. 326 Brass Effigies (Tr msition) Gockington .. .. 269 ii • . Cobleigh . . .. 240 FiUeigh .. 351 j, ¦ , Coffin-shaped stone , . .. 256 n ,» Dartmouth . . .. 268 Clovelly . Cary .. 241 >5 )> Harford .. 267 J J ' ¦ », • • • ¦ .. 321 5) 5, Ermington .. .. 269 Clayhidon , . Effigy in. 27 Badges and Rebuse. 260 Clysthidon . . St. Clere .. 136 n ,, Royal and Insignia. . . . 259 Cob ham Courtenay . . 99 Bartholomew, Bp («) The Cathedral . . .. 76 Colyton . Brerewood .. 167 Bamfield Voltimore .. 235 ;» . Courtenay 27, 147 Bassett , Atherington 242, 386 u . Haydon . . .. 221 Heanton-Punchardon 11 >1 11 * . Marwood .. 188 Beville Inppit .. 156 ?) • . Pole .. 153 Belworthy Totnes .. 167 j? * . Strowbridge .. 247 • * .. 336 )» ¦ Coffin-shaped stone . . .. 256 Beaumont (a) Gittisham . . .. 377 ;> * . Henry VIII. .. 169 ,, Shei-will . . . . .. 364 ) i * . See of Exeter )) Beaufort Barking . . . • . . 227 >? • . Wilkins • • 11 Biokford . Bradford . . .. 336 >t • Brerewood . . .. 167 Blount 101 a • . Bp. Veysey .. 178 Bonville Cheioton-Mendip 66 » (a) . Yonge .. 291 ,, , Dahoood . . .. 67 Colebroohe . Coplestone .. 137 ,1 Ncwenham Abbey . . 65 Coivic Priory Courtenay , . .. 102 >» ,j ,, ¦ • .. 191 Colcombe Castle . . ,, . . . . .. 144 j, Ottery S. Mary 69 „ Well .. 146 „ (a) . St. Albans . , . 380 College Vicars, Exeter . , .. 257 l» Powderham . , .. 65 Cullompton . More .. 218 ) J Seaton .. 70 a • Lane . . . , .. 275 . Southliigh . ; 65 n * . Kyng .. 276 11 Stocklarid • • )I ii • Inscriptions .. 218 „ CaJ Astlcy .. 391 ii Incised cross . , . . 255 Bourehier , Bamplon . . . . .. 84 n • Coffin-shaped stone . . .. 256 ,, Braunton )) Cojfai Shaped Ston es 256 ,, Canterbury Calh. . . 89 Crosses incised 253 ) i Eon i ton . . . , 90 Cotleigh Incised cross . . .. 254 >, I'dtlc-Easton .. 88 Crewkeme . Golde .. .. 270 ', Vlijmtree .. 90 Crcdlton . Sully 29 > > . Tawstock . . . . .. 87 n • Prouz .. 189 Westminster Abbey 93 ii • Periham .. 155 Bottreaux , Salisbury Cath. .. 363 n • Tomb in .. 251 » («) North Cadbury .. 388 n • Coffin-shaped stones.. .. 256 i, («¦) Molland- Bottreaux . . ¦ * 11 Carew Bickleigh . , . . .. 131 Bothe, Bishop East-Sorsley . . .. 321 ii • . . . ,. 211 Brett (a) Pilton .. 377 n * . The Cathedral .. 209 Brantyngham Bp The Cathedral 96 n • Bcddington .. 75 j) ,» i, », ¦ • .. 257 ii • Kentisbeare .. 79 Bohun Powderham 38 ii * • .. 279 > , The Cathedral .. 103 j* • Haccombe 72 )j , The Palace .. 105 ii * Mulesford .. 214 )j . Barnstaple , . .. 105 ii • Ottcry-Mohnn . , .. 209 >> , 5) • ¦ • • .. 253 i) Sandford . . . , .. 211 5, , Westminster Abbey .. 104 » • Stake-Fleming .. 39 ,T ( %) The Cathedral .. 78 ?i . St. Botolph, Aldgate .. 78 Bronescombe, Bp. («) „ „ .. 77 n Strafford-on-Avon . . .. 213 Briant South-Pool 40 n West minster Abbey . . 63 Brerewood . Colyton .. 168 a * ,> .. 210 Brewer Duiikeswell Abbey , . .. 127 Calmady Membury .. 234 >> . Torre ,, .. •• Carminow Ashwater , . .. 339 ,, Pols/oc Priory . . • ¦ », jj Beer-Ferrers .. 331 Bury . AlwingtoH .. 314 it " „ . . . . 370 BusheU • Highweek .. 197 Cary . Clovelly . , , , .. 241 INDEX. vu. PAGE. PAGE, Cary . Clovelly . . . . 321 Courtenay . . St. Albans . . 380 »» « . Alwington 336 „ „ . . Tewkesbury . . . . 382 » • . Cockinqton . , . 269 „ „ . . Arms and Badges of .. 82 Cadwodeleigh . Exeter . . , . 334 „ .. Effigies of . 95 Champernowne . . Beer-Ferrers . . 2 6, 228 Coffin . . Alwington . 308 ,, „ . . Modbury .. 35 )» ¦ . ,, . > . • . 176 » , , • . Atherington , . 189 ,, . . Monkleigh . 308 j> », • ,, . • • 342 „ . . Iteanton-Ptvnchardon . 175 Chudleigh Broadclyst . . . 147 „ . . Parkham .. .. . 316 ,, . Ashton . . . . 11 „ .. Standon, Derby .. . 176 Chiselden Reive , , . . 174 Corp . . Stoke-Fleming . . . 237 Chiverstone . East Budleigh 130 Cobleigh . . Chittlehampton . 240 Cobham Cobham . . , . . 330 Cornu . . Suteombe . 289 Colhin . Reice . . . , , 174 Crocker . . Yealmpton . 241 Coplestone Colebrooke .. . 137 „ • Yealmpton . . 386 Chideock . Bridport .. . . , , 152 Dartington . . Duke of Exeter . . . . 224 i» Chideock .. 150 „ . . Richard II. . , „ Chard, Abbot . . Ford Abbey 156 Dartmouth . . Hawley . . . . . . 238 a it • • », », • • • . 159 „ .. Staplehill .. ..268 » n • . Awliscombc , , 157 Dunkeswell Abbey Brewer . . . . . . 127 >¦ a • , Payhembury . , . 170 Dunsford .. Fulford .. .. ..175 Chichester, Bp. (i i) The Cathedral 376 , , . . Courtenay . . . . „ Chichester Widioorthy . . . 188 „ .. Lacy .. .. „ to . The Cathedral . . . 78 Dunster .. Courtenay .. .. 199 a • Braunton . . . 87 „ . . Luttrell . . . . . . „ n f*J • Pilton . . . , 378 „ -. Mohun .. .. ..348 Courtenay . Colylon .. . , , 27 Dabrigecourt . . Bridport . . . . . . 105 it • . ,, . . . • . 82 Dabernoun . . Bradford . . . . , , 299 it „ . . • . • 147 Dawney .. Sheviocke.. ,„ .. 365 17 . ,, . . . . • 144 De Esse . . Suteombe .. . . . . 289 It • Cobham . . , . . 99 De Apulia, Bp. (a) Cathedral. . . . 77 11 • Cowic Priory . . 102 Dennis . . East-Budleigh .. . . 130 11 * Cliudleigh , . 233 „ .. Buckland-Brewer ,. .. 319 11 * Dunster ., . , 314 „ . . Holcombe-Burnell .. .. 250 11 • . ,, . . . • « 330 „ . . Monkleigh . . . . 302 11 * The Cathedral . . . 96 „ . . Suteombe . . . . . . 289 11 • • j, ,, • • • 357 Dinham .. Ilsington .. ., 31, 62 (aj . • »> » •• > 78 „ .. Kings-Carswell ,. 32, 61 11 • . Ford Abbey 58 „ . . South-Pool .. . . 39 J) ¦ • ,, ), • • « 84 „ .. Woodbury ., .. 61 )» • it i> • • • 102 „ .. Westminster Abbey . . .. 63 J' ,, ,, • • ¦ 159 „ . . Ctreyfriars, Smithfield . . „ 1> ¦ . Fowey 315 ,, . . Cardinham . . . . 64 11 • Ashwater . , 339 , , . . Broadwood- Widger . . „ 13 * East-Budleigh .. ¦ 130 ,, .. Kartland.. .. .. 219 It • , Haccombe .. . . . 31 „ . . Exeter .. . . 95 It • Dunsford . . . . 175 ,, . • ,, . . . • . . 332 Dunster . . . . 197 Dowrich . . Sandford . . , . . . 211 31 • Xandrake . . . . . 315 Dorset, Marchioness of 67, 391 JJ " Honiton ., .. 195 Drake . . Colyton . . . . . . 139 11 • . Lanteglos-by-Fowey 118 „ .. Harpford.. .. ..202 » r«; . Molland-Bottreaua 384 „ . . Musbury . . . . . . 203 jj • . Plympton 37 „ . . Axminster .. . . ,, it * Powderham 38, 65 „ . . Southleigh .. . . 207 it • . Payliembury 234 ,, . . Littleham . . . . „ • • • 170 , , . . Salcombe . . . . . . 208 u • , The Palace 139 „ (a) . . Musbury .. . . . . 376 a • . Sampford Courtenay 135 ,, ra) . . Crcditon . . , . , . „ )> • . South-Pool 39 Shevinche . . 364 it * . Shillingford 98 Effigies, incised on stone . . . .. 252 . The Palace 83 ,, as Memento Mori . , . . 264 • , Westminster 234 ,, of Merclumts .. . .. 273 • Tiverton . , 59 Effigies. Description of , 1, 43 . ,, . . . . • 79 „ As Works of Art . . .. 56 . Wimborne- Minster . . 101 , , Situations 2 j* * Wolborough ,- 192 ,. Identification 22, 337 >, f«> . Wakefield .. . 379 ,, Condition 3, 46 ,, ,, • . Towton . . . . . jj ,, Attitude .. 17, 51 „ >» • , York j , ,, Restorations . . 3, 47 INDEX. Effigies Exeter i Exile PAGE. PAGE. ES ,, Heraldry . . 22, 50 Exeter . . Wynard . , . ¦ .. 156 Future preservation 3 a , . Audley . . .. 334 # t Inscriptions remaining 22, 50 u . . Haydon . . . . . ¦ " t * Tombs and Canopies 4 56 a , . Martyn .. 332 With Children . . . 47 a . . De Arches . .. " High Tombs . . 5 56 a . . Effigy of Crusader . . .. 94 Colours . . . . 17 47 i, , . FemaU effigy .. 95 Number 7 50 u . . Arms of See .. 169 Positions .. 45 a •• « .. 261 The Illustrations . . 7 57 a , . The Chantry . . .. 257 , , Designations 7 a . , Franciscan Convent .. 332 Classification 7 50 u . . Dominican » ¦ • " , t Angels at head and feet 18 48 Exeter, Duke of .. Holland .. .. 224 , t Animals at feet 19 48 a u » .. 355 Materials employed . . 19 49 u n . . Beaufort . . .. 226 Total in county 50 Easier Sepulchres , . Southpool .. 40 In other counties . . . 50 u h . . Woodhigh .. 250 Destroyed 21 57 ii u . . Holcombe-Burnell . . • • " Foundresses and Heiresses 9 Ermington . . Strachleigh .. 269 . . Collateral information . 19 Ebrington . . Fortescue .. 349 Founders' Tombs 21 Erie Axmouth .. .. 135 Assumed dales 21 Erchedeckne Haccombe .. 227 ¦ . Division I. Crusaders 8 51 a . , East-Anthony , . " „ Women 9 51 a . , The Cathedral . • a ' H II. Knights 10 Eyston . . Mot chard-Bishop .. .. 359 " 11 ,, Priests , 11 * 11 ,, Civilians 11 51 • 11 „ Judge . . 52 Farway Incised Cross . , .. 254 , , Women 12 52 u . . Prideaux . . .. 296 ¦ )» III. Knights 12 52 Feniton . . Memento mori 16, 126 „ Small effigy 13 u . . Ferrers . . .. 126 • It „ Women 13 53 a . . Malherbe • • " * 11 IV. Knights 14 54 a . , Kirkham .. 138 * 11 „ Priests 15 55 Filleigh , . Fortescue .. 351 • It ,, Women 15 55 Ford Abbey , , Courtenay .. 161 • il „ Civilians 15 55 a .. Chard .. .. 159 Cathedral . . Langton . . . , , , 283 a . . Henry VII. .. 160 " . . Bishop Quivil . 282 » . . Yeysey . . .. 162 »(a).. Lacy . 376 // .. Paulet .. " u (a).. « Chichester • " a . , Beaumont . . .. 335 a Brantyngham . 257 u , . Priors of . . .. 162 It . • u Oldham .. . 249 Fotcey Courtenay .. 315 a (a).. a Bartholomew . . 76 a , , Mohun .. 120 u (a).. » Marshall .. » Fleet, West . . Mohun . . . . .. 121 a (a).. n de Apulia . . . 77 Frithelstock Priory .. 325 « (a).. « Bronescombe " a Church Bench ends a a (a).. u Stapledon . . a Ferrers Feniton .. 126 n (a).. a Stafford .. . 7S u Highwtek ,. .. 196 a (a).. ./ Oldham .. . a Newton Bushell .. 197 i, (a) . . u Chichester . . . u . . Beer Ferrers . . 22S Fulford .. . 175 i, , , r .. 330 " . • Courtenay 96 n " .. 370 " • • Ercedeckne . 227 Fitz-"Warren Monkleigh .. 143 Montacute . 362 ;/ ii Wantage . . Monthermcr , . " Fleming . Stoke Fleming '.'. 39 Grandison a Fortescue . Ebrington .. 349 Northwodc . " a . Filhigh .. .. 351 " (a)'.'. Courtenay . 78 a Muresley „ (a).. Speke '9, 234 u Bradford '. . 352 .. (a) . . Sylke .. . 78 Fry Mcmbnry .. 2S4 ., (a J.. Bohun . . . . . 78 Ford . East Budleigh .. 130 Carew . 209 a . .. 200 It , , Harvey . . . 214 Fortibus . Potcdirham 3S Giuvrxtoms to Ecclesiastics , . 265 Fulford I>nn\fird .. 175 " « Precentors . 265 » . The Cathedral \ \ Memento Mori . . . 264 ", fa/.'. . 79 Incited 1 r0si.es . , . . 283 Gcorgeham . St. Aubyn .. 352 " . 205 (a) • . 376 Andrew 30 Gittisham (a). Beaumont . . 377 ¦ ¦ Periham . . . . , . 154 Gaye Monkleigh . , .. 313 INI >EX. IX. PAGE. PAGE. Giffard Axinouth .. 135 Hody Suleomhe , . . . .. 291 " • < Cockington 269 u Axmou'h .. 134 " Suteombe .. 289 Holland Darlington . . 224 " Parkham .. 316 a St. Katharine' s, London . . 355 " Chittlehampton .. 327 Hungerford The Palace . , .. 184 11 , , Tiverton , , , . . . 328 " Plympton a ¦ " • • Alwivgton . . 336 » Salisbury Cathedral a II . , Yeovale a a a a . . .. 362 Gilbert Marldon . . 34 Huddesfield ShilUni/ford 98 Goldo CrewkcriiC .. 270 Hurding Monkleigh .. 312 Golafrn Westminster Abbey .. 367 Introductory . . .. 1, 43 Goodwyn Ottcrg St. Mary . . 69 Jddislcigh Sully '.'. .. 354 » Plymtree . . . . .. 136 Ilmi nstcr Wadham .. 170 Gorges Tamerto t Foliott 40 Using ton Dinham .. 31 Grenville Suteombe , . .. 291 i, Incised Cross . , .. 256 « Bidc/ord .. .. 344 a Bench ends . . .. 299 Grandisson Ottcrg St. Mary . . 36 a Pomeroy ;/ " Tile Cathedral . . 362 Inioardleigh Northleigh .. 263 Grecuwaye Tiverton . . .. 273 Kentisbcare Carew .. 79 Guyldford Kcntisbcare .. 79 u Whytyng .. 277 Greene Morclmrd . . 359 a . . Carew .. 278 Haccombc Hai combe 31 Kilmingion Incised Cross .. 254 » Courtenay , . II » Southcott .. 288 u Ercedeckne . . 227 a » ,. 336 a Coffin shaped stone . . . . 256 Kingscarswell Dinham . .. 32 Hartland Luttrell . . 200 Keys The Chantry, Exeter .. 257 •i Abbey . . Dinham .. 219 Kirkham Paignton .. 36 Harford Williams. . . . 267 a Feniton . . .. 13S (a) . . Inscriptions .. 378 u Ashcombe u Harxford Drake . , .. 202 Lanteglos Mohun .. 115 Ealsbury Giffaid .. 318 a . , n .. 329 Heanton-Punchaidon Coffin .. 176 Landkey Acland .. 358 " " . . Basset .. 243 u . . Beaupell u Heavitrce . . Vener .. 263 Landrake Courtenay .. 314 •i " • . • . „ Little Easlon Bourehier .. 88 Highweek Yarde .. 196 Little Hempston . . Arundell 32 a Bushell .. a Liltlcham Drake . . .. 133 a . . Ferrers a a a . . , , .. 207 a Lacy .. Luppit Wynard . . . . 156 Hillingdon Strange .. 113 Lustlcigh Pronz .. 33 Honiton Bourehier .. 90 Larder Upton Pyue 41 a . . Stifford .. « Lacy, Bishop Totncs .. 167 a Courtenay . . 195 a a Highweek .. 197 a Marwood .. 189 a (a) . . The Cathedral .„ .. 376 a Takell . . .. 195 Lane Cullompton .. 275 „ Pigge .. 196 Langton The Ca'-hcdral .. 283 Honitov-Clyst Yanle .. 230 Lerueheckne Haccombc 31 Ifoleombj- Burnell Dennis . . 250 Luttrell Thorverton .. 197 HoUworthy Prideaux . . 235 a Dun'tir . . a Ilorwood Incised cross . . 255 a Hartlanrl .. a „ Pollard .. . . 194 a Dunster .. 314 a u . . . 35 5 a . , a .. 330 Hake Seaton .. 135 Ledger Line and Paragraph Inscriptions . . 263 Hankford AJon'itcigh .. 1(2 .. 3' i2 " Vener Legh Northlegh a Harvey The Cathedral .. 211 a Guderling « Hawley Dartmouth .. 241 0 Smyth . . " Haydon Ottery St. Mary .. 221 // Ganaike a " Woodbury u Marldon Gilbert 34 u Colylon a Melbury Strange ways . • .. 150 a Exeter .. 334 Membury Mohun 106 Henry VII. ] '. Foid Abbey .. 160 a Calmady . . . 234 „ „ The Palnce .. 139 a Fry .. 284 Henry VIII. Colgt'iu .. 168 Monkleigh Fitz warren .. 143 " a Bnd ford .. .. 208 a . . Hankford • • " Hengescot Bradford .. .. 251 a a .. 303 " a . . 299 u St. Ledger .. 225 Holbcame Seaton .. 185 a a a . , .. 303 a East Ogwcll . . 202 a Butler « Horsey Lanteglos .. 119 a Dennis " u Sherborne a ' a Coffin .. 308 INDEX. MonkleighModbury Morthoe Morchard Bishop . Mulesfurd Musbury . MartynMallackMalherbeMarwood Marshall, Bp. (a) Mohun Hurding , , Gaye ChampernownePridoaux Tracy .. Eyston . . . , . . Carew . . Drake Ganarke . . (a) . . Drake . . Exeter AxmouthFeniton Colytou Widworthy Honiton . . ., Nortlikigh The Cathedral Axmiuster M'mburyStoke- Fleming Bruton . . Newmham Abbey . . . . " a ¦ . Ottery Mohun Tone Mohun Dunster . . . . Westminster Abbey Canterbury Cathedral Lanteglos . . . , II Fowey " Boconnoc . . II % Tumerton Foliot " St. Ewe . . „ \ , Alheriugton II Fleet- West II _ t Wulveton II Broad-Mayne II f t Salisbury Caiheeh II Seals of . . Montacute Exeter Cathedral Monk Parkham . . Morgan Southleigh u Mapcrton . . More Cullempton Monthermer . , Salisbury Cathed) » Exeter Cathedral Mules South Pool a Swymbridge a Bishops Tawton Memento Mori Feniton u u t , Exeter Cathedral " " Paignton . . Merchants. Effigies of a Foundations of a Marks and Monograms Kot Cal'ompton Prouse Tiverton . . Huekler . . n Hartnoll . . ,i St. Mary Arches Buckland Colylon . . Gifford Axmouth . . Sellake Tiverton . . Coleman a . • al a I PAGE. .. 312 Sleo a , , .. 313 Waldron a 35 Ntwenham Abbey Mohun . . . . 369 a a . . Bonville .. .. 125 a a Ruins of . . . . 359 Newton S. Petroek Yeo .. 214 u u it Prideaux . . 203 a a a . , Jewe . . 263 // a a , , Morice . . . . 376 Neville, Bishop . . Branscombe . . 332 Northwode The Cathedral . . 247 Nonant Broadclysl .. 126 Norton Bradninch . . 188 Ogwcll-East Holbeame • • " Orlegh Otter y-Mohun Dennis . , .. 189 Ottery S. Mary . . Bonville . . .. 76 u a a . . Sherman 24, 106 u a a Hay don 35, ,i a u a . • Guderling 39, „ » // » Smyth . 106 Oldham, Bishop . . ,t (a) The Cathedral .' 190 a Vicars CMege . 106 a Ottcrg S. Mary . 106 Okestou Modbury . . . 106 Palace, The Courtenay . 348 Padstow Prideaux. . . 106 Paignton Kirkham . 367 Payhembury Chard . . . 106 a Courtenay . 347 a Wotton . . . 115 a Willoughby . 329 Parkham Incised Cross . 120 " Risdon Giffard . . .' 329 a . . Coffin . 120 a Monk . 121 Palace, The Courtenay . 329 >i „ . 344 a Hungerford . 121 a Bohun . 122 a Peverel . . . 123 Pightlesthorne Inscription » Pill on ( a) . . Chichester . 190 (a).. Brett . 362 Plympton Strode, . . . 318 a Courtenay 60 a Hungerford a Powderham Bonville . . . 217 a Courtenay . 360 a Bohun a Plym.tr tc Stafford .. 39 a Bourehier . 299 a Goodwyn u lolsloc Priory Brewer . . 16 Plymouth Effigies there . 264 Poltimore Bampfield ¦ " Precentors of Exeter Cathedral . 273 a n Brad ii inch • " Pcriham . . Crediton . . . 27S ./ Exeter . 279 Peverell Sampford Peverel . " „ The Palace Plympton . . " Polo Colyton • " •i Colcombe . . " n 1 1 Shute . 280 a The Antiquary a Pomeroy Berry Pomeroy . 281 " Bradford 106 65 190 334 247362 26 265 202 320 209 69 221 263249 78 257249 35 139 295 36 170 234 170 170 316 .. 139 .. 105 .. 184 .. 105 .. 184 .. 60 .. 378 . . 377 37, 231 .. 37 .. 184 .. 65 38 . • " 90 • * " .. 136 .. 127 .. 359 .. 235 .. 264 * • " .. 155 .. 154 .. 38 .. 184 37, 184 .. 155 '.'. 153 .. 155 . 163 .. 299 INDEX. si. PAGE. 'PAGE Pollard Bishop's Nympton . .. 193 Suteombe . Prideaux .. 289 a St. Giles .. • • • " u , . Dennis .. • • • ; a # Horwood . . 194, 353 a ¦ . Cornu . . / Prideaux Farway . . Woodbury Modbury . , Newton S. Petrock . Suteombe . . . .. 296 .. 297 . . 369 .. 234 . . 289 n , . Giffard .. . Speccot .. , . De Esse . . • Grenville . Edgcumbe •• / a Padstow . . . . 292 Stourton-Candle . . Stourton . . !! 152 a Abbots Bickington . . . 295 Sutton Coldfield . . Vej'sey . . .. 178 " West Putford " Sloke-in-Teignhead Effigy at .. .. 240 " Holsworthy u Swymbridge . • Mules .. 299 Pyl de Haccombc.. . 31, 256 St. Alban's (a) . . The Abbey .. 380 Prestaller Axminster .. 24 (a) . . St. Peter's < • U Prouz Lustleigh . . .. 34 Sherman . Ottery St. Mary . .. 70 a Wid worthy .. 41 Smyth Totncs . . . .. 166 a a . • * .. 188 a , , , Woodleigh .. 260 a Crcditon . . .. 1S9 a .. . Ottery St. Mary . .. 263 a , Tiverton . , .. 279 Southcott Calverleigh .. 286 Prendergast Shebbeare . . . . 363 a . Kilmington . .. 288 Prince Birthplace of .. 191 a a .. 336 Pyne Axmouth .. 247 Speccott Thombury .. 301 Quivil, Bishop , The Cathedral . . 282 » Suteombe . . . .. 289 Rewe Wadham .. 170 Speke . . . • Seaton . . . .. 185 a Colhin . . • * i a a . Brampford Speke . • • " a . Veysey . . a a . . The Cathedral .. 234 a , Chiselden n fa) „ .. 79 Raleigh Biddington .. 79 St. Aubyn Georgeham .. 352 a Budleigh . . .. 130 „ „ (a) .. 376 u Exeter . . , .. 332 Stafford, Bishop fa) The Cathedral .. 78 a Arlington . . 339 Stafford. Earl of Devon 90 Richard II. Dartiugton . . 224 Strange Hillingdon .. 113 Risdon Parkham . . .. 317 Strode . Plympton . . 37, 231 Rigge Honiton . . . . 196 Starre . . Beer . . . .. 177 Royal Badges and Insignia .. 259 a Seaton . . . a Roses. TJie Wars of .. 271 a t Southleigh a a a raj .. 379 Stowford West Downe .. 366 Salisbury Cathedra I Mohun . . .. 123 St. Clcre Budleigh . . .. 130 a „ . Stouiton . . . . 152 » Clysthydon .. 136 II u . Hungerford 184, 362 a East Budleigh . . .. 200 II II . Monthermer .. 360 Staplehill Dartmouth .. 268 II II . Montacute a Suffolk Duke of .. .. 71 Sampford Peverell Peverell . . .. E8 Sully Iddes'eigh .. 354 u Courtena y Com tfnay .. 135 •i Crediton .. 29, 331 Sandford Dowrich . . .. 211 a a .. 289 Salcombs Drake .. 207 Stourton . Ashton .. 148 Seaton Starre .. 177 » Christ Church .. 152 a Walrond .. 185 " Stourton Candle . > • " a Holbeame a " . Salisbury Cathedral • a a . Speke Stafford .. a Strangeways Abbotsbury Mclbury . . .. 150 a Hake •i St. Ledger Monkleigh '. '. 225 Sherwill St. Ledger ¦¦ 226 " Windsor . . . .. 226 a , Beaumont .. 364 a . Sherwill . . » Sherborne Prendergast . . 363 a Auuerg . . .. 302 S/teviocke Courtenay . . 364 Strachlwgh Ermimjton .. 269 u Dawney . . a Strowbridge Colyton .. 247 Sherborne Horsey . . . .. 119 Stapledon Bishop (a) The Cathedral .. 77 Shillingford Huddesfield 98 Taiuertou Foliot , . Gorges 40 South Pool Briant 39 // « Mohun . . . . 120 u u . Mules " Taicstock Bourehier . .. 87 Southleigh Wilbughby .. 170 •i . Effigy at .. .. 365 a . Starre " Taeistoek Abbey . • . . . .. 248 a . Drake . . 207 'Jhorueoiube . . Brook . . 245 Sprcgton (a) . . Inscriptions at .. 387 Thoreerton . . Luttrell .. .. 197 St. Ewe Mohun . . .. 121 a * . Walleis .. .. 200 a Giles Pollard .. .. 194 Thin nb'iry . Speccott . . .. 301 u George's Clyst "Wynnrd . . .. 157 Tiverton Green way .. 273 u Katharines, Lo idon Holland . . 355 a Prouz .. 279 Stoke Fleming Mohun . . 39, 106 '¦ . Hucklcr . . * • " n Corp .. 237 » . Giecnwaye ... XII. INDEX. Tiverton TownstalTorre Abbey Totness Tewkesbury Abbey (i TakellThomeTraeey UffculmeUpton Pyne Umberleiyh Chapel Upcott Veysey, Bishop . . u u , , Veysey Wantage . . West Down . . Wear Gifford Westminster Abbey West Putford Widworthy Hartnoll . . Sellake . . Coleman . . Slee WaldronCourtenay Giffard . . Effigy at .. Brewer . . Smyth . . Belworthy Bishop Lacy Honiton . . Barnstaple Morthoe . . WalrondLarder . . Broadwood- Widger Ford Abbey Sutton Coldfield Colyton Rewe Fitzwarren Stowford Effigies at Bourehier Dinham . . Carew Mohun . . Mohun . . Golafre . . Prideaux . . Prouz . . Wotton .. Chichester „ Widworthy . Marwood // Wimborne Minstci Courtenay It Woodbury Dinham . . . Haydon . . 281 u . Prideaux . . 59 Wolvcton Mohun . . 79 Wolborough Sculpt an s at 327 a Courte-.ay 40 Waty Axmiuster 127 Walleis Thorierton 167 Wadham Rewe « u II minster 336 /, Branscombe 167 it fa/. a 382 a Cntherstonc 195 Westofer C'jlgton 252 WiUoughby Payhembury 125 » Southleigh 298 WiUoughby de Broke Beer Ferrers 41 » / n Callingion 342 Williams Harford . . 345 Walrond Seaton 163 a . Bradfield 178 n Uffculme , . ;; Wotton Widworthy 174 Whytyng KentUbeare 144 Willington Athcringten 366 Wyke Snl combe . . . ixmouth 93 Wynaid Lnppit 63 a Exeter 210 a Clgst St. (jiOvge 104 Yarnscombe Cockworthy 367 Yealmpton Crocker . . a Yarde Highweek 295 a Newton Bnshell 41 a Honiton Clgst 188 Yeo Newton St. P track a York. Duchess of i, York. Mick egatc Bar fa) PAGE. , 189 , 101 61 . 221 297123 192 129 200170 ¦J7S 170 130170 228345 267 185 298 188 277342289 135 150 157 126 241 196 334367 379 THE SEPULCHRAL EFFIGIES IN THE PARISH CHURCHES OF SOUTH DE\W, BY W. H. H. EOGEKS, ESQ., LOCAL SECRETARY TO THE SOCIETY OF ANTIQUARIES. READ AT THE COLLEGE HALL, DECEMBER 6, 1866. The Sepulchral Effigies found in the parish Churches of South Devon form a valuable series, most interesting to the antiquary or art-student. They are scattered with considerable evenness throughout the district, and are found in greater profusion in the small outlying rural Churches rather than in the larger and nobler sanctuaries of our towns. And there is a great charm, too, in threading one's way in a pilgrimage to these shrines of the departed worthies of our Shire, the circle of whom may be said, with truth, to include representatives of the noblest and worthiest that have possessed our land. To the eye of the artist, the quaint variety of costume, the gradual development of arms and armour, and increasing recognition of the value of beauty and grace in fashioning the external form and attitude of the figure, offer great attractions. To the thoughts of the antiquary, in his quiet hours, with the careful records of the county before him, they form a subject of special interest, as he seeks to invest each with a personal history and a name. To the reflective Christian mind, another and much more impressive lesson is conveyed, as alone, in the silence of the sanctuary, he contemplates the last resting places of those who have died " in His faith and fear," whose lively effigies, habited as they had lived, lie passionless before him, but whose once warm breathing bodies have, ages ago, passed away, and mingled 2 THE SEPULCHRAL EFEIGIES IN THE with the dust beneath his feet. Anon, he finds the stern Crusader symbolizing in death, with his crossed legs and eager grasp of the sword, his devotion to the honour of the Gentle Master; the Priest, with hands meekly crossed, sleeping beside the Altar of his earthly ministrations, and awaiting the last great call of the Bishop of Souls ; or the quiet country Franklin, in his garb of peace, resting en-niched within the hallowed walls his pious zeal had helped to raise. A succeeding age reveals to him a grand series of Baronial and Knightly forms, clad in all the pomp and panoply of war, but their mailed hands are raised in prayer, and holy angels keep watch and ward by pillow and shoulder. The sweet sem blance of Woman too, with her softening presence, thickly intersperses the unfolding array of warriors and chieftains ; sometimes attired in modest wimple, and all undecked, she sleeps solitary and alone, with naught to guard her but her own bright trust, and the cherubs at her brow. Again, we find her in all the conscious pride of holy wifehood, richly apparelled, with her lord at her true side : "They lie with uplift hands, and feet Stretched like dead feet that walk no more, And stony masks, oft human sweet, As if the olden look each wore, Familiar curves of lip and eye, Were wrought by some fond memory/' Passing, however, from these reflections, a description is now required of the present condition of the effigies, the tombs on which they recline, and the position in Churches where they generally occur. Situations. — The situations in Churches where these effigies are usually found vary much, though certain special localities are oftener adopted than others. In the Chancel walls, either on the north or south side, and generally, but not always, within the Altar space, as at Beer Ferrers, Axmouth, Axminster, Broad Clyst, &c; at the end of the transepts, as at Modbury, Ilsington, Beer Ferrers, Membury, "Widworthy, &c; in the walls of the side aisles as at Lustleigh and Powderham ; while a few are found under the arches of the nave as at Ottery S. Mary, Haccombe, and Tamerton Foliot; and others are incorporated in monumental screens, as at Paignton and Marldon. PARISH CHURCHES OF SOUTH DEVON. . 3 Condition. — Some of the figures are in comparatively good preserva tion, others are considerably mutilated, especially about the legs, faces, arms, hands, feet, angels at the head, and animals that support the feet, in some cases being wholly destroyed ; while again (but this occurs in one or two instances only), some almost shapeless fragments alone remain. The majority, though a few have been carefully cleansed (scraped onlv) still appear covered with repeated layers of white-wash which clogs and ob scures everything. Restorations. — A small number have, however, been irretrievably in jured, through a well-meant, but ill-judged zeal; some have not only been scraped carefully from whitewash, but have afterwards been tooled deeply all over, utterly destroying the ancient contour of the figure, and frequently robbing it alike of mail and ornamental accessories, or re- cutting them to another pattern, while incongruous restorations of the face and the extremities are generally added, occasionally with extra ordinary exaggeration and grotesqueness. The reason of this is obvious. These restorations are often entrusted to some ordinary stonemason at work otherwise in the Church, and, of course, altogether unacquainted with the rules of art. Anxious to shew his industry to his employer, the man assiduously applies rasp and chisel all over, and, in the end, leaves not the original figure, but another, disproportioned and unsightly. The first carver was an artist, the best doubtless to be procured, and he had, it is to be inferred, seen the man he essayed to pourtray, and worked accordingly, however feebly he realized the end he sought for. It is, therefore, earnestly hoped that nothing beyond the most careful scraping will be attempted on any of these figures in future. Future preservation. — It is a subject of deep regret that many of these glorious memorials, so admirable in conception of design, have been taken down, the portions of the tombs placed piecemeal about the Church, and the statues themselves removed from their original situations and laid aside out of the way, either on the ledge of a window, or hidden behind the seating in some odd corner, and covered, perchance, with mildew and dust : " The noble lady and the lord who rest Supine, as courtly dame and warrior drest, 4 THE SEPULCHRAL EFFIGIES IN THE Are all departed from their state sublime, Mangled and wounded in their war with Time Colleagued with mischief; here a leg is fled. And lo ! the baron with but half an head ; Midway is cleft the arch, the very base Is battered round and shifted from its place." — Crabbe. There is nothing left of such surpassing interest in our Churches, as these shrines of past generations. Often they represent the Founders of the whole fabric, or that particular portion of the Church in which the figures are found, and a world of historic interest is created wherever they appear. A more honorable destiny, it is to be hoped, awaits them in the future, and that they will be preserved from further injury, as they should be, with the utmost reverence and care ; for " Even from the tomb the voice of nature cries, Even in our ashes live their wonted fires." Tombs and Canopies. — A considerable number of the earlier statues are found under plain obtuse arches, sometimes relieved with deep mould ings, but, more often, without decoration of any kind, as at Lustleigh Axminster, and Haccombe, and the figures are laid either on low, un- ornamented benches, or on the floor level. But, occasionally, these arches rise to greater altitude, and assume more graceful proportions, as at Townstal and Modbury ; while at Beer Ferrers a special exception exists of great interest and rarity, as found relative to these older effigies. Here, the Crusader and his wife recline on a low tomb under an arch which per forates the wall, into, what was once in all probability, a mortuary Chapel, but which is now used as a vestry. The arch is boldly moulded with cusps and corbels, and over, rises an elaborate pierced canopy, sup ported by buttresses, and enriched with beautiful crockets and finials, shewing on both faces of the wall alike. At present it is covered with an extraordinary accumulation of whitewash, from which it well deserves to be relieved. At Axmouth, the priest lies on the ground, beneath a flat festoon, having in front a deeply moulded arch, divided into large cusps. Both these examples may be assigned to Early Decorated origin. Of somewhat later date, but evidently Decorated in character, are the PARISH CHURCHES OF SOUTH DEVON. 5 specimens found at Widworthy, Ottery S. Mary, and Broad Clyst. At Widworthy the figure is on the floor, and the arch over is ornamented with an open four-leaved flower studded round the soffit. At Ottery S. Mary, the effigies are raised on low tombs, above which are elegant canopies surmounted with elaborate pinnacles, crockets, and finials. Bound the arches, which are beautifully cusped within, runs a rich moulding of vine foliage, interspersed with shields. These handsome memorials stand detached under the central arches of the nave, and are the only ones observable in the district under review, so placed. At Broad Clyst, the knight is enshrined in a recess in the south wall of the Chancel, in front of which, and level with it, rise four slender shafts, paneled and terminating in rich crocketted pinnacles. Between these are three ogee arches filled with pierced trefoils of flamboyant character, and crowned with exquisite floriated canopies and finials, which finish at the same height as the pinnacles. A cornice, or string course of bosses and shields alternating, surmounts the whole. Within the recess, at its back, are five traceried panels, in which are as many shields. This interesting and beautiful monument is considered by some to have been originally adapted for the double purpose of sedilia (from its occupying the ac customed place), as well as for a mortuary memorial. Up to this period, as has been observed, no approach to decoration is noticeable underneath on the tombs upon which the effigies recline, al though great ornamental accessories have been exhibited over. High Tombs. — Still ranging with the Decorated period, but later than the last described, or, perhaps, Early Perpendicular, are the high tombs which, enriched in various ways, are employed to support the recumbent figures, with, occasionally, the addition of elaborate canopies as well. At Crediton and Little Hempston, the decoration consists of panels and shields. At King's-Carswell, on the tomb, under the Dinhams, niches occur of rich tabernacle work, alternately with panels and shields ; while behind these effigies, when in their original position, was the handsome traceried reredos, still visible in the south transept. Beneath the adjoining tomb, occupied by the lady, are compartments filled with quatrefoils and niches containing saints. 6 THE SEPULCHRAL EFFIGIES IN THE We now arrive at the Perpendicular era, and both tomb and canopy are found highly embellished. At Plympton are two examples, the ornaments on the tombs being much the same, an array of small niches filled with figures of angels playing musical instruments, and saints and ecclesiastics in devotional exercises. The canopies differ. Over the effigy of Strode is rich crocket, finial, and pinnacle work ; that of Courtenay consists of a flattened arch, groined within, and enriched around the soffits with badges and shields, while above is a cornice of panel work terminating in a cresting. At Paignton, the beauty of the screen in which the figures repose, with its bewilder ing array of ornament, almost defies description. Bows of niches with figures occur under, while above, arches covered with large bas-reliefs, delicate tracery, foliage and fretwork of surprising intricacy, rise over the figures, terminating in finials which support full-length figures of angels bearing shields. The portion of the screen at Marldon that contains the effigy is of similar character to that at Paignton, but plainer. The shields found on these screens are of the peculiar shape with the notch at the dexter point, which are designated a bouche. At Paignton, the surface is plain; at Marldon, fluted. The use of the notch was to admit the shaft of the lance. At Colyton, the canopy assumes the form of a large niche of taber nacle work, with smaller niches by the sides, one containing the Virgin and Holy Child, the other, an angel with a thurible ; the plain cornice of quatrefoils over is a modern addition ; the original design appears to have been by finials rising from the side buttresses, with an open cresting probably between. At Upton Pyne, the knight reclines on a tomb, beneath are panels and shields, above is an arch, ornamented with vine foliage ; in the spandrils are tracery and shields. In S. Mary Arches, the tomb and canopy are similar to the last described ; by the sides are niches with angels holding the emblems of the Mass. At South Pool, the canopy over the priest is much the same ; beneath are figures in niches, apparently ecclesiastics. This tomb was intended also for an Easter sepulchre ; at the back of the arch is a sculptured representa tion of the Resurrection, and discomfiture of the guard. Another Easter sepulchre, very similar to this one, is found in the adjoining Church of PARISH CHURCHES OF SOUTH DEVON. 7 Woodleigh, but without an effigy. The figure at South Pool appears to have been placed in the recess, but not permanently fixed there, so as to be capable of removal at Easter, and after the festival replaced ; the head is broken off. These three last specimens shew unmistakeable evidence of decadence in this beautiful branch of Christian art, alike in poverty of design, and quality of workmanship. Number. — The complete number of statues under review in this divi sion of the County, which may be described by taking a line from Sampford Peverell across to Beer Ferrers, amounts to fifty-three, including fragments and the memento mori. Of these, nine are Crusaders, fifteen armed Knights, four Priests, three Civilians ; in all, thirty-one Males, and twenty- two Females. In nine instances, man and wife recline together. The Illustrations. — Of the illustrations which are here offered, it should be observed that all the effigies described have been personally visited, and the drawings made from sketches taken on the spot. They may lack, unfortunately, the artistic taste and finish that could be desired, but for accuracy of detail, their general correctness may be relied on. The diffi culties of sketching recumbent figures under arches, which often almost prevent a complete view being obtained, is greater, perhaps, than would be imagined, while, occasionally, a barricade of high pews so darkens the object, as to render the lines scarcely distinguishable. Details, where con sidered of sufficient interest, are given on a larger scale. Classification. — The effigies, as a whole, may be arranged in four well- marked divisions, or eras, indicated by change of costume and develop ment of armour. The full period over which the investigation extends, and within whose limit the effigies are included conformably with their presumed origin, embraces about three centuries, beginning in the middle of the thirteenth, and terminating at a similar juncture in the sixteenth century. Designations. — The conventional term Crusader has been adopted, as being perhaps the best qualified to describe the well-known cross-legged ring-mailed figures so frequently found in our old parish Churches. Their era unquestionably dates about the time of the stirring events from which their popular name is derived, and the expressive symbolic attitude, so 8 THE SEPULCHRAL EFFIGIES IN THE characteristic of the deep religious feeling of the age, seems evidently intended to imply the full meaning attached to their peculiar appearance, now .usually understood to affirm that they had either actually borne arms in the Holy Wars, or were under vow to do so, or had given largely of their substance in futherance of the movement. This explanation has, however, been challenged at various times, from the circumstance of other effigies, dating from an era long subsequent to the Crusades, occurring in such attitude. They are, however, exceedingly rare. There is one example in Exeter Cathedral of Sir Peter Carew, in 1581, but the posture is evidently only an Elizabethan conceit. The thirteenth century mailed figures with their crossed-legs and hands grasping their swords, together with the remarkable family or class likeness always observable, offer a response to the eye of the investigator who has visited many of them, which goes far to assure him that the legendary designation, so applied, may be regarded with a strong warrant of correctness. Division I, a.d. 1250 to 1310. Crusaders.— Cross-legged, in complete hauberk, or suit of chain or ring mail. This consisted of a close-fitting round coif or cap, but, sometimes, flat-crowned, and brought up to an angular finish at the side. To the cap was attached the camail or gorget, which encircled the neck and fell tippet-wise to the shoulder, and there met the haubergeon, or shirt of mail, which reached with a close skirt nearly to the knee, and extended in tight fitting sleeves to the gauntlets or gloves. The feet and legs were covered with chausses, or hose, of the same material. Over this was worn a long surcoat, divided in front to the waist, where it was secured by the sword belt. They are represented drawing their swords— they wear the heater shaped shield (which is suspended by a guige or strap from the shoulder), on the left arm, and the pryck or spike spur. The head usually reclines on a double cushion, and the feet against a lion. The figure in the transept at Beer Ferrers rests on an obtuse-pointed close helmet, and thus marks him to be of somewhat later date than the knight in the Chancel. The effigy at Haccombe (one of the finest . of the age PARISH CHURCHES OF SOUTH DEVON. 9 possibly left remaining anywhere) has his mail beautifully ornamented, probably damasquined, with a running pattern characteristic of the time ; the belts and scabbard are also similarly, decorated. The representation of mail on this figure instead of being incised in the stone, which was the ordinary practice, has it otherwise pourtayed by means of a kind of enamel on the surface, which is gradually peeling off. Portions of two Crusaders, fragments only, are found at Modbury ; and another, much muti lated, at Sampford Peverel. Women. — In flowing robe or mantle, falling on and gathered in over the arms, beneath this the long gown that hung from the shoulders which it tightly fitted, and was apparently sleeveless ; round the neck the linen gorget with its voluminous folds Which was brought closely up about the face, and pinned or fastened to a veil or cover-chief, forming puffs on each side of the head. The hands are generally joined in prayer, as at Modbury, Membury, and Ilsington, but they sometimes are holding a book or shield, as at Haccombe and Stoke Fleming, or a shrine with the Blessed Virgin and Child, as at Axminster. Foundresses and Heiresses. — It is probable that the female figures with the books, shrine, and shield, indicate foundresses and a heiress. The effigy at Axminster with the shrine is supposed, by an able authority (Mr. Davidson), to be Alice de Mohun — she was fourth daughter of Lord Briwere, a powerful baron of his time, who founded the adjacent Abbey of Dunkeswell. She married Sir Reginald de Mohun, who, with his brother Sir William, founded the Abbey of Newenham, in Axminster. Thus, she was the wife and daughter of Founders, and, in addition to this, the Church of Axminster is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin, whose representation she holds in her hands ; she was most munificently in clined, and during twelve years gave all the stone used in the erection of Salisbury Cathedral. At Haccombe, the lady with the book is, perhaps, Margaret, the widow of Sir Stephen de Haccombe, the Founder of the Arch-Presbytery there ; the other with the shield, her only daughter and Heiress, Cecily, wife of Sir John Lercedekne. Of the lady at Stoke Fleming, there is no record. A peculiarity is observable, also, in the effigies sup porting the books ; with the other hand they are grasping a cordon or ribbon round the neck, in addition to holding up some of the folds of C2 10 THE SPEULCHRAL EFFIGIES IN THE the mantle. Whether the hand thus employed has anything within it, cannot be determined, but it is not improbable that a small reliquary was attached to the ribbon. In the beautiful figure of Eleanor, Queen of Edward I., in Westminster Abbey (ob: 1290), one of the hands is simi larly occupied, the other originally held a sceptre. Division II., a.d. 1310 to 1350. Effigies whose costume and attitude partake of Transition character. Crusaders.— At Lustleigh, in pointed bascinets, camail, long surcoat, shield on left arm, one hand grasping the sword, the other resting on the shield. These effigies do not lie flat on their backs, but are at half turn, a position often observed at this era, and adopted, probably, to shew the figure better. It is uncertain whether the legs and arms are covered with mail or plate, more probably, the former ; and, although there are no incised marks to attest this, yet it may have been originally represented by colour only (as at Haccombe), which has now disappeared. The fines round the elbows and knees seem also much more like the bands used to keep the mail hauberk in its place, than the divisions of plate armour, nor is the distinctive lap of the solleret traceable. Their heads rest on helmets. To this period also, but somewhat later in date than the last des7 cribed, may be assigned the knight in Ottery S. Mary. Here the legs are parallel to each other, and the sword is held drawn in the right hand. The thighs are covered with cuisses of a species of armorial defence often used at this period, composed of jacked leather (coir boullij with rows of iron studs alternating with the plaits. The other portions of the limbs are evidently in mail, with shoulder and elbow pieces of plate, which are of small size, shewing its gradual introduction. Or namented circular genouilliers cover the knees, roundels appear on the bends of the arms, and on the hands are plate gauntlets with short cuffs, in exceUent preservation. He wears a pointed bascinet, camail, haubergeon, short surcoat, and what appears like a light half cloak reaching to the bend of the knee behind. A narrow enriched baudric circles the PARISH CHURCHES OF SOUTH DEVON. 11 hips to which the remains of a scabbard is attached. The head rests on a large close visored tilting helmet, from which springs the quaint cresting not uncommon at the time, and supposed to represent hornsj with rings at their extremities, to which the costly cointoise, or mantling of silk, that displayed *the distinctive colours of the knight, was attached during tourney and jolist. The easy nonchalant attitude, elongated moustache, and strange position of the sword held in the right hand and passing out under the left arm, create a specialty of interest re lative to this interesting figure. Another fine effigy of a knight (Crusader) referable to this era, occurs at Little Hempston ; he lies fully cross-legged with bascinet, camail, haubergeon, and short surcoat. The shield suspended by a guige is worn on the left arm, and to the baudric is attached the sword and misericorde. The hands are raised in prayer, the arms are completely covered with plate, but the legs are apparently in mail, with ornamented genouilliers of plate ; his head rests on a cushion, and on his feet are rowelled spurs. This is evidently very late for a cross-legged figure, from the character of the armour and defensive appointments. The last, or seventh, Crusade ended in 1297, which date would coincide tolerably well with his appearance here, supposing him to have survived that event some few years. Priests. — In chasuble, alb, amice, stole, and with maniple ; their hand crossed flat on the breast, or elevated prayer-wise ; at their feet a dog ; at Axmouth, Axminster, and Clayhidon. The effigy at Axmouth wears a round coif or cap, probably a Prior's, as three of the Vicars of Axmouth at this date were successively Priors of Loders, Dorset, to which the vicarage was attached. Civilian. — The effigy in Townstal Church, Dartmouth, probably should be included here from the early character of the arch under which he lies, and the general appearance and workmanship of the figure. The costume gives no certain indication as to date. He is habited in a long gown, which falls in straight plain folds to the feet, the hands are raised in prayer, the head rests on a large square cushion, and the hair appears to have been brought down in a curl or roll on each side of the face. 12 THE SEPULCHRAL EFFIGIES IN THE Women. — In the earlier specimens little change of dress occurs from that described in the last division. In later ones, the large square head dress presents itself, plaited as at Powderham, or puckered as at Ottery S. Mary. At Little Hempston, the extending close boddice and sleeves indicate the gradual approach to the afterward popular cote-hardie, together with the enriched clasps and tasseled cords that secured the mantle, found also at Ottery S. Mary, and again at Powderham, where the earliest dependent stomacher is shewn of plain character. It is probable this last elegant appendage to the dress consisted of a series of clasps or snaps, and was used to fasten together the jacket or cote-hardie, and the skirt below, as it extends below the boddice. Division III., a.d. 1350 to 1420. This era is wonderfully prolific in its display of effigies, the costume and workmanship being often very fine. Knights. — In pointed bascinets, generally of plain character, but some times slightly ornamented at the edge, where the vervelles or eyes, used to secure the camail, came through and were threaded along outside, the ends being tasselled, — seen very perfectly at Little Hempston, Crediton and Haccombe ; while at King's Carswell, a rich orle or wreath of roses, evidently composed of gold and gems, runs around the helmet ; gorget and haubergeon of mail, and over this the close fitting short surcoat or jupon, handsomely fringed and embroidered at the skirt, — as at Broad Clyst, Tamerton Foliot, and Crediton, and emblazoned with the arms of the wearer, as still visible at King's Carswell and Tamerton Foliot. The shield has disappeared except in one instance (Widworthy), the baudric buckled and knotted in front is highly ornamented, probably jewelled, and to it are attached the sword and misericorde or short dagger, used for despatching the prostrate foe by a coup de grace, administered through the joints of the plate harness, or small apertures in the helmet ; hence it is, that this weapon does not appear until plate armour became general. The arms and legs are now completely encased in plate ; on the arms are pauldrons (shoulder guards), coudieres or elbow pieces, rear and vam- PARISH CHURCHES OF SOUTH DEVON. 13 braces or brassarts defend the arms, and the hands in gauntlets. The legs are protected by cuisses, genouilfiers, jambarts, and the feet in sollerets, or iron shoes, and the pryck spur is succeeded by the wheel or rowell. The feet rest on lions couchant regardant; the head, either on a cushion or tilting helmet, guarded by angels. Two of these great heaumes deserve a more detailed notice : one at Broad Clyst has round it an orle fleur-de-lys, and the crest appears somewhat like a lion's paw, but it was probably intended as an elongation to which the mantling was attached. The other, a beautiful specimen, is at Haccombe, and instead of the usual round form is angular, and divided at the sides into ornamental panels, studded at the edges. The crest here is well defined, being the badge of the wearer, a Courtenay, a plume of feathers or panache, encircled together by a trefoil leafed crest coronet ; falling over the back of the helmet is a mantling of short feathers ending in a tassell. The lion at the feet of the figure is very vigorous in design. Small Efeigt. — At Haccombe is a small effigy of alabaster, 2 feet 3 inches in length, representing a civilian, with curled hair, tight hose, surcoat or doublet and baudric ; the workmanship is very fine. According to Lysons another small effigy formerly existed in Dartington Church, with curled hair and long gown. The effigy at Haccombe probably represents a child. In Westminster Abbey are two figures about 18 inches in length in alabaster, said to pourtray William of Windsor and Blanche de la Tour, two children of King Edward III., by his Queen Philippa. They died about 1340. The male figure is attired almost exactly the same as the small effigy at Haccombe. Many of these diminutive effigies are in existence. At Abbey Dore, Herefordshire, is one of a Bishop 14-| inches long ; at Horsted-keynes, Sussex, a knight cross-legged ; at Salisbury, the Boy Bishop. Sometimes they are found represented as infants rolled in swaddling clothes ; such are denominated Chrisom children, being supposed to have died within a month of their birth, but baptized. Women. — Extremly picturesque in appearance and elaborate in detail. They present themselves in cote-hardie, kirtle or gown, and with long mantle or cloak hanging from the shoulders. The necklaces (King's Carswell and Tamerton Foliot), cloak fastenings, and dependent stomachers, appear to be of the richest character, evidently formed of gold and 14 THE SEPULCHRAL EFFIGIES IN THE gems, and worked into intricate patterns. The head dresses were the jewelled coronet (King's Carswell), or costly net-work caul and chaplet (King's Carswell), and also at Haccombe, to which the peplum or veil is attached; or the large square form as at Crediton and Tamerton Foliot, the latter very handsome, evidently quilted and interlaced with rows of pearls, and with a veil thrown over the top ; she wears also a necklace with cross pomee attached. Sharp pointed shoes peep out among the voluminous folds at the feet, which generally rest on a dog. At South Pool the immense size of the square head dress is remarkable. Division IV, a.d. 1450 to 1550. Knights. — These are clad almost wholly in plate armour, the camail and surcoat are dispensed with, but the mail haubergeon in a modified de gree is retained, and brought up closely round the neck where (at Marldon) it finishes with an ornamental roll or collar. The pauldrons (increased in size) extend upward and laterally, and with the men- tonniere (chin guard) defend the neck, as at Plympton and Modbury. The breastplate supersedes the jupon, to this a second smaller one called the placcate was sometimes added, as seen on the figure at Modbury. Following the breastplate are the dependent taces (hip guards), to the central lap the tuilles are buckled protecting the thighs, and the long sword only is worn suspended by a narrow waist-belt buckled and knotted in front. Little decoration occurs, but at Paignton three chains of link-work with crosses patee attached encircle the breasts of the figures. This ornament was doubtless the badge of some peculiar office held by the wearer, such as the shrievalty, or having been the patron of the Church, or founder of the Chantry wherein the person was buried. The eSigy of Sir John Speke in Exeter Cathedral is similarly decorated. In illustration of the foregoing supposition, it may be remarked, that the figures at Paignton deemed to represent the Kirkhams were doubtless the founders of the Chantry, and we find John Kirkham was Sheriff of Devon, 21 Henry VII., 1506. Sir John Speke was the founder of the Chapel wherein he now lies, and he was Sheriff of the county, PARISH CHURCHES OF SOUTH DEVON. IS 8 Henry VIII., 1517. The effigy of a knight in armour and cotemporary in date is found in the south aisle of the beautiful Church of Boston in Lincolnshire ; he wears an exactly similar decoration. At Modbury the knight has on a small collar of roses, and the sword belt is studded with a similar ornament. This was probably the badge of the House of York ; a collar of roses and suns alternately was often worn by the adherents of York in contradistinction to the collar of S.S., which was adopted by the Lancastrians. Should this be the case, the presence of this decoration would date him after the accession of Edward the IV, which took place in 1461. It is somewhat noteworthy that there is no e&igy in the present series that wears the collar of S.S., and it is found on one brass only in the district, that of Sir Thomas Brooke and his Lady, in Thorncombe Church; here, both wear it, the date being, "mccccfltrM, tije jeb pete of fcmge $atrp tfje W which king was the last of the House of Lancaster. A curious peculiarity is observable at Upton Pyne and Plympton in the small shield charged with the arms of the recumbent figure, and placed issuant from the helmet that supports the head. The helmets are of plain character, with twisted wreaths ; the mantling extends under the figure, and is apparently of some costly stuff worked with patterns of oak or vine foliage, and fruit, cut or slashed at the edges, and ending in a tassell. The heads are uncovered, and the long flowing hair descends to the shoulders, sometimes curled, or parted in front, at others brought up from behind and cut straight across the brow. The knight at Upton Pyne wears the broad-toed sollerets, the tuilles are very large, and his haubergeon or doublet of thick quilting or padding. Civilian. — The effigy in S. Mary Arches, Exeter, represents a Mayor of the ever faithful City. His worship wears a long gown or robe of plain character; the hair is curled and falls to the shoulder. Priest. — Only one is found, at South Pool, of strangely ungraceful aspect. The costume is also remarkable ; he wears seemingly a cope, stole, and cassock with multitudinous folds. The hair on the head is curled and abundant ; no tonsure is visible Women. — Only three are assignable to this date, and two of these occur in the screen at Paignton. One of them is very beautiful in its D 16 THE SEPULCHRAL EFFIGIES IN THE simplicity. She wears an easy setting boddice with skirt, and over the shoulders is thrown a cloak, which is gathered in around the arms. The hair is parted in front and falls in great profusion down to the waist. There is no ornament of any kind except a fillet round her brow, fastened in front by a single jewel. The other is similarly robed, but wears on her head a cover-chief, which is arranged in graceful folds and falls to the shoulder ; the effigy at Colyton is similarly attired ; on her head is a coronet. Memento Mori. — At Feniton, on the south side of the Holy Table, is a high altar-tomb, with large quatrefoils under. Upon the tomb is laid a skeleton or emaciated form of death, enveloped in a shroud or winding sheet tied in over the head. These figures are not uncommon ; there are two in the Cathedral at Exeter, and another formerly existed at Paignton. It has been considered by some, that such were not erected as monuments to persons deceased, but intended only as a solemn memento mori to the beholder's eye, yet considerable evidence to the y contrary exists. On Bishop Beckington's tomb, in Wells Cathedral, 1465, the bishop is represented twice, once above in full pontificalibus, and again under as a skeleton in a shroud. A similar figure is in Bishop Fox's gorgeous Chantry at Winchester. In Salisbury Cathedral there are two such effigies ; one to Precentor Bennet, 1558, the other unknown, but of apparently earlier date. Of those found in Exeter Cathedral, one in the north aisle is unknown, the other under the north tower is to Sub-Chanter Silke, 1485. Relative to the figure at Feniton, the nettle leaves of Malherbe, and the horse shoes of Ferrers occur in shields on the capitals of the aisle pillars ; and in the Chancel wall opposite the tomb is evidently a mortuary arch, and over it a second arch, having at its apex a shield charged with three leaves (nettle) on a chevron, but the upper arch has recently been broken through and a modern window inserted. It may be added, that after thirteen gene rations the heiress of Malherbe of Feniton toward the close of the fifteenth century, married Ferrers, and afterwards Kirkham. From the arms on the pillars, it would seem the erection of the aisle may be dated to this alliance. Does the thirteenth, and last representative of this long descent of Malherbe sleep under the sepulchral arch already noticed, PARISH CHURCHES OF SOUTH DEVON. 17 and was this striking semblance of mortality set up as a memorial thereof, to signify and put us in remembrance of the mutation and decay of all earthly names and things \ At Paignton, where another of these singular effigies formerly existed, there died out in the parish, after numerous descents, the main branch of the Kirkhams ; some of whom are said to be pourtrayed in the beautiful screen there. One of them migrated to Feniton, and became allied to the last of the Malherbes ; but his name quickly became extinct too. All is of course simply a matter of conjecture, but the presumption that it was erected to the last of the Malherbes seems sufficiently strong. The date of their extinction, and the character of the arches on which is their arms, coincide with the era when such figures were known to have been erected, the close of the fifteenth century. "Erth goyth upon erth, as mold upon mold, Erth goyth upon erth, al glysterynge in gold ; As thogh erth to erth ne'er turne shold, And yet must erth to erth, sooner than he wold." Attitude. — Relative to their general attitude, the Crusaders are re presented cross-legged, with their hands grasping their swords and shields, and the women of this era either hold a book, shield, shrine, or fastening of their mantles. From the middle of the fourteenth century downward, the hands were invariably raised in prayer. The heads of the knights recline on helmets or cushions, usually helmets, the women on cushions. Colours. — There is not much doubt that the effigies were originally (except those in alabaster) all tinted and gilded, and had the arms of the various families they represented emblazoned on their surcoats and shields. By carefully removing the whitewash on the less exposed parts, traces of colour may be observed. On the mantles of the ladies at Haccombe and Stoke Fleming may be seen the peculiar bright mediaeval blue ; at South Pool, the gown was red, with cord and tassels of gold. Indications of armorial devices are occasionally faintly discernible, and d2 18 THE SEPULCHRAL EFFIGIES IN THE have helped considerably to establish indentification. At Haccombe, the Crusader retains such very perfectly on surcoat and shield, also on the shield borne by the lady there ; and the three red chevrons of Sully are just distinguishable on the breast of the knight at Crediton ; remains of colour are also apparent on the bas-relief of the 'Resurrection,' found at the back of the Easter Sepulchre, at South Pool. Here it may be noted, relative to the quality of colours used by the antient artists in the decoration of effigies, that they appear to have been thin, brilliant, and flatted, leaving the grain of the stone perfectly discernible (a great point), and not meddling in the least with the sharp ness of the angles and lines. Some of the old angel's faces seen remaining occasionally, seem dusted over with colour only, yet perfectly sufficient for the purpose intended, namely, not to make stone wear the appearance of plaster or stucco, and yet give the required warmth and bloom to the countenance too. No preparatory coat is noticeable, except under the gilding which was a thin ochreous base, and the gold itself is judiciously deadened, so as not to be too intrusive and disturb the repose of the figure, and destroy altogether its semblance of inanition. Some of our modern painters in Churches seem almost as great foes to ancient art as their predecessors the white-washers. Painting stone is as yet but little understood, and demands great care and study where attempted. Angels at the Head. — The angels accompanying the effigies are also generally very much mutilated ; where left tolerably perfect, as at Tamerton Foliot, they appear habited in a long robe, mantle, with collar falling over the shoulders, and wear steeple-crowned, or round close caps. The hair is curled and parted in front, and long feathered wings spring from the shoulders behind and depend to the ground ; the feet are usually naked. Their attitudes and occupations are somewhat varied, either kneeling and supporting the cushion or head and shoulders of the figure, or sitting and holding the cushion in their laps. At Haccombe one of the angels at the head of the lady with the shield swings a censer or thurible. Although only two angels are found accompanying all the other figures a singular exception occurs at King's Carswell, where the single effigy of the lady is attended by four, two at the shoulders, and two at the knees. PARISH CHURCHES OF SOUTH DEVON. 19 A glance at this arrangement seems to unravel the meaning embodied in the old rhythmal prayer : — "Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, Bless the bed that I lie on, Four corners to my head, Four angels lie aspread, Two at foot and two at head, Four to carry me when I'm dead." Animals at the Feet. — The feet of all the effigies originally rested on animals, most of these remain, or portions of them, in various stages of mutilation, but some have completely disappeared. The earlier knights had exclusively lions, emblematic of courage; priests and women (with one exception, a wyvern at King's Carswell) on dogs, significant of fidelity. After 1450 other animals were adopted, an eagle is found at Plympton, and a talbot or dog at Upton Pyne and S. Mary Arches, Exeter, at the feet of male figures. Contour and Material. — Though usually somewhat stiff and mannered in appearance, yet many of them exhibit considerable grace and elegance of pose, and great care has evidently been taken to pourtray details of costume. Those of the fourteenth century, or third division, as indicated in the description, have a marked resemblance of workmanship and quality of stone used to each other ; and others of the fourth division, as found at Plympton, and also at Paignton and Marldon, seemingly appear to have been the production of the same hand. A white stone, probably from Beer, has been employed for a considerable number ; the effigy at Townstal is apparently in Purbeck marble, and the knight at Modbury in alabaster, but this appears to be the only instance, except the small figure at Haccombe, now discernable, where that costly material has been adopted ; perhaps sans white-wash others may be discovered. Collateral Information. — A useful collateral aid, beside that observ able in the costume of the effigies, is found in many instances where the Church bears distinctive evidence of cotemporary reconstruction, either wholly or part, coinciding with the presumed date to which the figure is referred. Particularly is this the case where they recline in apertures formed in the walls of the structure, and thereby affording 20 THE SEPULCHRAL EFFIGIES IN THE strong presumptive testimony of the persons they are supposed to re present having been the original Founders of the aisle, transept, or Chancel, and have desired their bones to repose at last within such their work of goodness and faith, while for lack of written epitaph, the name of the person so buried remains attached as a prefix to the "He." The early character of Modbury Church, with its " heaven directed " broach, carries the mind back irresistibly to the era of the Crusaders, whose fragments are found therein. The Early Decorated transept at Beer Ferrers is very complete with the Crusader reclining in his grim repose ; the "Strode Be" at Plympton, and the suggestive square-headed Late windows, the Decorated Chancels of Axminster and Axmouth, and their accompanying priests, the beautiful Church of Little Hempston, and its striking array of geometrical windows, accord well with the knights that recline beneath them ; and similar instances are observable at Broad Clyst with the exquisite flamboyant aisle window, Stoke Fleming, Tamerton Foliot, and elsewhere, where the edifices, or portions of them, give strik ing coeval marks of construction. "Here with chaunted orison, And the long blaze of tapers clear, The stoled fathers met the bier; Through the dim aisles in order dread Of solemn woe, the chief they led, And deep intombed in holy ground, Before the altar's sacred bound. Around no dusky banners wave, No mouldering trophies mark the grave, And long o'er the neglected stone Oblivion's veil its shades has thrown; Still o'er the sepulchre profound, E'en now with arching sculpture crowned, We plan the Chantry's choral shrine, The daily dirge and rites divine." — Warton. Founders' Tombs. — While here, too, on the subject of tombs found in the walls of our Churches, a great number of plain openings exist, merely an obtuse arch without ornament of any kind, often under a transept window, or in the Chancel ; some of these may at one time PARISH CHURCHES OF SOUTH DEVON. 21 have had figures reclining in them, now destroyed, but it is more pro bable they were generally without such addition. These were perhaps " Founders' Tombs," and] the enriched specimens at Broad Clyst and Beer Ferrers can scarcely be mistaken as to their intention. Before Wyatt, in 1789, committed such dreadful havoc in Salisbury Cathedral, on the north side of the high altar, in the wall, under an arch cut through, with a light protecting arcade on either side (as at Beer Ferrers) lay the Founder of that stately fabric, Bishop Richard Poore, in full pontificalibus ; he died in 1237. Effigies Destroyed. — Without doubt, our churches were at one time graced with many more effigies than those now left, as fragments are often found embedded in the walls during the progress of repairs and restora tions. It is open to question, whether we have to deplore their loss nearly as much through the fanatic zeal of Puritan iconoclasts in the seventeenth century, as we may to the seemingly irresistible propensity for pure mischief, indulged in often by ordinary people visiting them, or workmen engaged in the repair of the sacred edifice, and exhibited not only in carving wretched initials and dates everywhere, but also in de facing the salient parts of the figure, or cunningly worked ornaments of the tomb until what was once a beautifully harmonious composition, full of grace and symbolism, is reduced to an almost shapeless piece of mutilation. Add to this the want of interest and consequent neglect hitherto accorded them by those whose province it should have been to have seen them safely preserved, we cannot wonder that one by one, many of these interesting figures, after passing through every kind of indignity, until they were reduced to formless unsightly objects, were finally broken up and destroyed. Effigies at Dartington and Paignton seem to have recently disappeared, or were not observable on recent visits ; and there was another originally in the now vacant arch in the Marldon screen. At Luppit also, in the north chancel wall, are the remains of an arch with cusps and corbels ; in this arch was an effigy within living memory which is now gone. This was probably the tomb of Sir John Carew, the first of that family settled in Ottery Mohun, by marriage with an heiress of Mohun, who died in 1363. Assumed Dates. — -In assigning dates to comprise the respective eras with- 22 THE SEPULCHRAL EFFIGIES IN THE in which the effigies are conjectured to be included, it may be mentioned that they have been grouped as nearly as ascertained dates and character istics of costume have suggested and permitted, after a careful comparison had been made of the gradual variation of position, and the accompany ing change and development of armour and other apparel. It is well known that it was occasionally the practice to prepare the figures during the lifetime of the persons they were intended to represent, this fact would, in some measure, perhaps reconcile any seeming discrepancy that may appear on comparing some with others of the same apparent date, that were probably sculptured after death. Inscriptions remaining. — The only traces of the original inscriptions discernible on the tombs are at South Pool, Upton Pyne, and S. Mary Arches, Exeter, and these are only fragments, while the figures they describe are also the latest in the order of succession. Heraldry. — But few heraldic devices remain, which sculptured in relief have in some measure defied the obliterating effects of the ubiquitous whitewash brush, and even these are often so clotted up by frequent daubings as to be almost undecipherable. The surcoats of Gorges and Dinham, the shield of Prouz of Widworthy, and the escutcheons on the tombs of Larder, Andrews, Strode, Courtenay (2), and Dinham, are so distinguished ; but with all the rest, shield, surcoat, and escutcheon have long ago been denuded of their original blazonry, or are shrouded deeply with the impenetrable white, which has eaten into and destroyed the colours, thus effectually cancelling the excellent clue to identifica tion these ensigns armorial would otherwise have afforded. Identification.— Amid difficulties of such magnitude, and admitting of little amelioration, the task of assigning the names of the persons to whose memory these effigies were originally placed is necessarily a work of great uncertainty, and often very unsatisfactory, and it is not pretended in the following short notices appended, to offer in most instances any thing more than the nearest probability of whom they represent. In a few cases a tolerable degree of sureness has been arrived at. The date of the statue as evinced in its costume, style of tomb, and general appearance, together with the remains of any heraldic data accompanying it, and the voice of tradition in the parish, where such lingers, have PARISH CHURCHES OF SOUTH DEVON. 23 been compared with the cotemporary history of the County as found described in the pages of her most trustworthy historians, and as close an approximation made of apparent identification as possible. No absolute guarantee is in any way offered ; doubtless the researches of succeeding investigators in this inviting field of local history will unravel, much that is now uncertain and obscure. " Lector, quicunque es, tumulum circumspice nostrum, Quo mea nee dolor est, ossa sepulta jacent. Non procul aspicias, triplex ubi ducit imago, Una ego, spousa alia est, tertia nata mea est. Pulvis ego, sic uxor eris, sic nata ; valete ! Xto vive uxor, filia vive Deo." — Old Epitaph. 24 THE SEPULCHRAL EFFIGIES IN THE Axminster. These two effigies are situate in the Chancel near its juncture with the transepts. The first, a Priest, occurs under a blunt arch in the north wall. The other, also under an obtuse arch, is a Lady, and situate nearly opposite the former. These figures evidently assimilate in date with the Early Decorated character of the Chancel, its sedilia and handsome piscina. The Priest is said to be Gervase de Prestaller, vicar of the parish, and chaplain and steward to the Lord Briwere, who flourished at the close of the twelfth century. The Lady to be that of Alice, daughter of Lord Briwere and wife of Sir Reginald de Mohun, lord of the manor of Axminster and co-founder with his brother Sir William of the ad joining Abbey of Newenham, in 1247. The noble family of Mohun became extinct on the 15th November, 1712, by the death of Charles, the fifth baron, in a duel with James Duke of Hamilton, when both Antagonists were killed. Axmouth. This effigy occurs in the north wall of the Chancel, just opposite the Holy Table, and lies almost level with the floor in a recess formed by a rather lofty obtuse arch. Beneath this is a canopy formed by a second similar arch, which is ornamented with five boldly moulded per forated cusps, which spring from corbel heads at the sides. The figure represents a Priest in full sacerdotal costume. The character istics of the Chancel windows, priest's door, &c, are evidently of Early Decorated origin, to which date the figure probably belongs. The manor and Church of Axmouth were originally appropriated by Richard de Rivers to the Benedictine abbey of S. Mary of Montbourg, near Cou- tances in Normandy. Subsequently, it was considered a parcel of Loders priory, Dorset, also a cell of the said abbey ; and the prior, as proxy for the Abbot of Montbourg occasionally exercised the right of presentment, which it should seem he often accorded to himself. Three of these priors PARISH CHURCHES OF SOUTH DEVON. 25 so instituted were, Roger Hariel, 1320 ; Simon de Londa (a professed Benedictine monk of the mother house,) 1355 ; and Robert Doree, 1361. It it very likely the effigy may represent one of these Priors, who, not unnaturally perhaps, preferred the social amenities of a country priest's vocation, to the more straightened severity of a monastic life. Beer Ferrers. Three effigies are found in this old and most interesting Church. Two, a Crusader and his Wife, are on the north side of the Chancel, the other also a Crusader at the end of the north transept, they are assigned to represent some members of the De Ferrarys, or Ferrers family, who anciently possessed the place from the time of Henry II., down to the middle of the fourteenth century, when the heiress of Ferrers brought it to Champernowne. There was a Collegiate Chantry in this Church for six priests, founded by William de Ferrers in 1328, and endowed with the advowson of the Church of Beer Ferrers. In the east window were some curious remains of painted glass, particularly the figures of the Founder and his Lady, with an imperfect inscription, which denotes him to be Sir William Ferrers. The different compartments of the window had borders formed of the arms of Ferrers, and plain coloured glass placed alternately. Lysons gives a coloured engraving of this glass. The Knight is clad exactly the same as the figure in the monument under, so is the Lady. He is kneeling and holding a Church in his hands, she is also kneeling with her hands in prayer, and both have the device of Ferrers, horse shoes on a bend, on their mantles. The inscription over the knight seems to be " ftQlllg : SttXtyS," See., the other portion being very indistinct. This glass was not observable on a recent visit, but is still preserved it is believed in the Church. The figures in the window over, and the effigies on the tomb below, evidently represent the same persons, Sir William de Ferrers who lived here 27 Henry III., (1243) and Isota his wife ; they had issue three sons, all knights; the last of the family being Martyn de Ferrers, who lived in the time of Edward III., and conveyed this inheritance to the Champemownes. The figure in the transept is perhaps Reginald, son of 26 THE SEPULCHRAL EFFIGIES IN THE Sir William, who married Margaret, sister and heiress of Sir Robert le Dendis, of Pancraswike. An old gravestone in the transept, inscribed with a Calvary cross on degrees, on which is the sacred heart and monogram, marks the burial place of Roger Champernowne, son of Alexander Champernowne of Modbury, who married lone, the heiress of Martyn Ferrers before alluded to ; the inscription runs thus : " ^>tc jacet Eoget Cijampetnotone, armtget, cut ate pttectetut tie ante." The arms of Ferrers are on a boss in the ceiling of the porch, also on a portion of the old screen ; this latter shield has a curious augmentation of five devices like ships' rudders, probably in allusion to the maritime situation of Beer Ferrers, and to distinguish them from other branches of the family settled elsewhere. The following shields are also found in in the groining of the porch : 1, In fess, four fusils, each charged with a crescent ; 2, A cross florae ; 3, a tower (1) charged with two crosslets. On a portion of the screen is the achievement of Lord WiUoughby de Brooke, K.G. : Quarterly of four — 1, Four crosses—first and third, plain; second and fourth, moline, (WiUoughby) ; 2, Four fusils in fesse (Cheney) ; 3, A cross floree (Latimer) ; 4, A chevron (Stafford). This Lord Brooke, who died in 1502, married Blanche, daughter of John Champernowne, brother of Roger, before alluded to, which Roger died without issue. By this match he acquired large property in Beer Ferrers and Callington; he died at the latter place, and is there buried under a magnificent tomb in the Church, on which is his effigy in alabaster, in full armour, with his robes as Knight of the Garter thrown over him. The ship's rudder, evidently the device of Ferrers, is on the tomb surmounted with his royal patron's (Henry VII.) rose. Broad Clyst. This fine monument, one of the most beautiful in the county, is situated in the south wall of the Chancel. The manor of Broadclyst was held by the Nonants from temp. Henry, I. to that of Edward III. Sir Roger de Nonant, 9 September, 1321, PARISH CHURCHES OF SOUTH DEVON 27 obtained license from Bishop Stapledon to have Divine Service performed in " Capella sua See. Agnetis de Clyston per idoneum capellanum suis propriis sumtibus sustentandum, ita quod per hoc matrici ecclesie, infra cujus limites dicta Capella situata existit nullum prejudicium generetur." The monument in all probability belongs to this worthy knight. From another source we learn, there were then " in Clyst Church, sundry remembrances of the Chudleighs." John Chudleigh (a descendant of Prouz) married Jane, daughter of Beauchamp of Ryme, who married Alice, one of the daughters and co-heirs of Sir Roger de Nonant, Knight, Lord of Broadclyst, which manor, John Chudleigh had in marriage with his wife, and had issue, James." A great similarity exists in costume, and execution of the two effigies occurring in the Churches of Broad Clyst and Widworthy, and they are evidently of contemporary date. Clayhidon. This effigy, of which only a portion (the upper half) remains, is now walled in on its side in the south aisle ; it represents a Priest similar in costume and attitude to that at Axmouth, and its original position was probably in the Chancel. COLYTON. This effigy is in the Chancel, but its original position was in the north transept. The inscription on a brass plate, which was added when the monument was removed, runs thus : "jIHargaret, oanfl£ter at OTilltam ffiourtenag, ffiarl of 3Beoon, ano tfje ptnceaa Satijenne, ptma*st tfangfitet of €to&rato tfje #fj, Ifctng of Jffingtano, oieb at ©okomfo, rfjoneD 6g a U&fybone, %.TB. tntuti., ano foaa imtieb in tije notffj transept of tfjta (Efjnrrfj." Over are three shields : 1, Courtenay ; 2, Courtenay impaling France and England; 3, France and England alone. This inscription appears to have been founded on data given by Cleveland (247 pp.), who says, "and one daughter named Margaret, who was choked with a bone of a fish, and died at Colcomb very young, and there is a monument of an 28 THE SEPULCHRAL EFFIGIES IN THE antique figure still remaining for her in the parish Church of Coliton, where her effigies is placed at full length in a nich of the north wall, with the effigies of an angel at her head, and another at her feet, and the ile1' where this monument is placed is called choke-bone ile to this day." This account, which had up to a late period remained unquestioned, has recently through the careful investigations of Dr. Oliver and Mr. Pitman Jones been altogether upset. The Lady Margaret Courtenay, thus said to have been so unfortunately choked, is mentioned in her mother's will, dated 1527, where it is enjoined, with others they shall say mass "for the soule of Margaret, late wife of Henry Lord Herberd, our daughter;" she was also living with her husband at Richmond on 2 July, 1520, in attendance on the infant Princess Mary. This "Lord Henry Herberd," was in all probability the eldest son of Charles Somerset, Earl of Worcester ; he was married twice after this union with Margaret Courtenay, and died in 1549 ; it seems therefore scarcely possible to hazard a conjecture as to whom this monument was erected. The style is of Late Perpendicular character, and the arms shew direct alliance with the blood royal, the costume also points to the close of the fifteenth century. It should be observed the impalement of France on the tomb is three fleur-de-lys only, known as France modern, in contradistinction to the earlier coat termed France antient, which bore semee of fleur-de-lys. Modern France of three de lys was first adopted on the royal shield by Henry IV., early in the fifteenth century. This fixes the date of the monument to be subsequent to that time. There may have been another child born to the noble pair whose name has been lost in the family pedigree, and this figure may commemorate her. Three children (John, Robert, and Alice) of Hugh de Courtenay, of Colcombe, and Ah'anora his wife, daughter of Hugh de Spencer, Earl of Winchester, died young, and were interred in S. Andrew's Church, Colyton, before the year 1300 ; but this date would be too early, nor would the arms accord. PARISH CHURCHES OF SOUTH DEVON. 29 Crediton. These effigies, a Knight and a Lady, are found at the end of the south aisle of the choir, but this was probably not their original position, and they are said to represent Sir John de Sully and his wife, the daughter of Fitz-Robert, Baron of Torrington. Westcote says — " There is another more fair monument of alabaster, of a knight clad in his armour, with his lady laying beside him ; at his feet a lion, at hers a lamb ; it is said to be the interment of Johannes de Sully or Silly, and that it had some such an inscription, ' Dominus Johannes de Sully.' He was Baron of Torrington in the time of Edward III., his seat at Rookesford, lately the land of Chichester alienated to Davie. His arms on the window by his tomb, argent, three chevrons gides, also ermine, three chevrons gules!' Westcote is mistaken in two particulars, the figures are in freestone, and the animal at the lady's feet a dog. On the surcoat of the knight the red chevrons are still apparent. Risdon, in his description of Iddesleigh, which should seem to be the nest of this knightly family, thus refers to the Sullys : " Its antient Lords were the Sullys, who dwelt here in the reign of Richard I., having two fair parks, &c. Sir John de Sully, Knight, the last of the house, married one of the co-heirs of the Baron of Torrington ; he was a man much renowned with the wars of the Holy Land, where he remained many years, but being in the end wounded, he returned to his country, and at his home-coming his officers brought unto him stores of coin, which laying on his cloak, which was cloth of gold, he said that once he would tumble in gold and silver, whereof he gave one-third to his wife, another to his officers and servants, and a third part to the poor; and he gave his part of the honour of Torrington to his cousin, the Lord Fitz-Martyn. He left issue, one daughter, married to a knight in Somersetshire, from whom the Stowells are descended. This Sir John Sully died of the wounds received in the Holy War, and lyeth burried at Crediton, but hath here (at Iddesleigh) a cenotaphe, and that after a martial manner, with his proportion cut cross-legged thereon." Thus far, Risdon ; the figures, however, in Crediton Church are far more likely to be the 30 THE SEPULCHRAL EFFIGIES IN THE "cenotaphe," from their later date. A recent writer in the Quarterly Review thus refers to him : " In Crediton Church is an effigy supposed to be that of Sir John Sully, a venerable warrior, who was present at the fight of Halidon Hill, at the siege of Berwick, at the battles of Cressy, Najara, and Poictiers, and who, at the age of 105, gave his evidence on what is known to heralds as the "Scroop and Grosvenor controversy," which took place 1385-90. S. Mary Arches, Exeter. This effigy is in the south aisle, and represents Thomas Andrew, who was one of the Bailiffs of the city in 1494, and afterwards Mayor succes sively in 1504 and 1510. The following is the complete inscription on the frieze of the tomb, as read by Dr. Oliver some years since ; many of the words are now almost obliterated : "jfyit facet tfHagfater GHjotnas &nbte&j, quonbatn JHaiot ctoitatta (Exonie, qui ootft &n. Dnt. tncccccx&tft, et nono Trie jjBarctt (cnjtta) anime proptcietnr, amen." In the spandrils of the arch are his arms : A saltire, the arms crossed patee at the top, interlaced by a reap-hook or sickle. Below on the tomb the same device is repeated, and on another shield are the arms of the Merchant Adventurers : Nebuly of six, on a chief quarterly of Jour— first and fourth, a lion of England ; second and third, two roses. Mayor Andrew by his will, dated 23 April, 1517, left certain lands and tenements to find a priest to pray for his soul in his Chantry dedicated to S. Andrew and S. Thomas, and to sustain for ever twelve poor men. Feniton. An effigy representing an emaciated Figure in a winding sheet is found on a high altar tomb on the south side of the Chancel, and has already been described fully. PARISH CHURCHES OF SOUTH DEVON. 31 Haccombe. This little Church is singularly rich in effigial remains, there being five altogether. The early lords of Haccombe were Sir Jordan of that name (lemp. Henry II.), and successively Stephen, Jordan, and Stephen. In 1328 Bishop Grandison dedicated the Church, or Arch-presbytry, then com pleted by Sir Stephen de Haccombe, and the foundation deed expressly affirms that this parish Church had served as the burial place of Sir Stephen de Haccombe and his progenitors. At the services held there, they were to pray for the said Bishop, Hugh Courtenay, Earl of Devon, Margaret, relict of Sir Stephen de Haccombe, Cecily, daughter and heiress of Sir Stephen de Haccombe, and wife of Sir John Lercedekene, and Robert de Pyl, clerk, then living, and for the repose of the soul of the founder, Sir Stephen de Haccombe, Jordan de Haccombe (his brother), and others deceased. Three of the effigies probably represent some of the personages enumerated above. The beautiful figure of the Crusader in his damasquined mail is possibly Sir Stephen de Haccombe, although the date, according to the deed above mentioned, would be a late one, comparatively, for the costume ; the Lady with the book is probably Margaret de Haccombe, wife of Sir Stephen; the other with the coat of arms may be assigned to be Cecily, their daughter, and wife of John Lercedekene. The other effigies are supposed to depict Sir Hugh Courtenay, Knight, of Boconnoc, Cornwall, and Haccombe (obiit 5 March, 1425), and his second wife Philippa, grand-daughter of Sir John and Cecily Lercedekene, before-men tioned. This Sir Hugh Courtenay was grandson of Hugh de Courtenay, second Earl of Devon, and brother to Edward, called the blind Earl. The small effigy has been already referred to. Ilsington This figure is in the north transept, and is said to represent one of the Dinham family, who were connected with the parish at a remote period (temp. Edward I.), and continued in that name until it 32 THE SEPULCHRAL EFFIGIES IN THE came to the sisters of John, Lord Dinham, temp. Henry VII., and Treasurer of the Exchequer to that king, obiit 1501. In 1387, Bishop Brantyngham licensed John Dinham to have an oratory in Ilsington, as well as at Kings-Carswell. Kings-Carswell Three effigies are in this Church, a Knight and two Ladies, they are now deposited on the ledges of the north aisle windows. The Knight and Lady with the coronet have been supposed to re present Sir John Dinham and his wife Muriel, second daughter of Sir Thomas Courtenay, of South Pool, Knight, but this must be a mistake from the impalement of arms under the tomb, which are as follows : — 1, Four fusils in fesse (Dinham) 2, Fretty, 3, Dinham impaling the last coat. Matilda Matravers (obiit 2 Henry IV, 1411) married first, Peter de la Mare, and secondly, Sir John Dinham, Knight. She was a daughter of John Matravers of Hooke, Dorset (obiit 9 Richard II., 1386), and Elizabeth his wife, daughter of Sir William Aumale. The arms of Matravers of Hooke are : sable, a fret or (Hutchins), can this be the lady"? In 1387, Bishop Brantyngham licensed John Dinham and Elinor his wife to have their Oratory or Chapel in Carswell Regis, in S. Mary Church. Who this Elinor was cannot be ascertained. The other female figure has no heraldic remains to give the least clue to identification. Little Hempston. Three fine effigies add to the attractions of this interesting Church. Little Hempston, or Hempston Arundell, was possessed temp. Henry I. by Roger Arundel, to him succeeded Nicholas and John Arundel, 27 Henry III., 1243, who left two daughters, Arondella and Joan. Arondella married Richard Crispin of Wolseton, to whom followed William and Roger, who died without issue, 7 Edward II., 1314. lone married PARISH CHURCHES OF SOUTH DEVON 33 Walter de Bradeston, and the manor descended by heiresses to Stretch, Cheney, and WiUoughby. It is probable from the complete character of the Church, and its style, Early Decorated, that it was rebuilt towards the close of the 13th, or early in the 14th century, and that the effigies represent some members of the Arundel or Crispin families, perhaps Sir John Arundel, his daughter Arondella, and her husband Richard Crispin. Lustleigh. Three effigies are found in this Church ; two occur under low obtuse arches, in the wall of -'the north aisle of the nave, the other is placed on the floor at the east end. This last figure seems to have been removed from a low arch on the north side of the Chancel, which is now tenantless of its former inhabitant. The others are so barricaded by woodwork of the old pews as to be almost invisible. These memorials are assigned to the large and well known family of Prouz, so fruitful of monumental fame in our Churches, whose cradle was in the adjacent parish of Gidleigh. "In an aisle of this Church" (Lustleigh) says Risdon, " is a tomb with the statue of a knight cut thereon, crosslegged, in stone, on whose shield are three lions, as also in that window under which he is interred are three lions between six cross crosslets, by which I conclude it was one of the family of Prouze. Another tomb there is arched over, where some say the Lord Dinham and his lady were interred, whose pictures are to be seen, very glorious, in a glass window, having their armouries between them, and likewise on their surcoats escutcheons of arms." Every trace of heraldic blazonry either in the windows or on the figures is now gone. The story about Dinham is probably erroneous. In his notice of Gidleigh, Risdon also narrates the following : " Sir William Prouze ordained by his will to be buried amongst his ancestors at Lustleigh, but his executors interred him at Holberton. The lady Alice Mules, his daughter, who married Sir Roger Mules, Baron of North Cadbury, after some time, coming to the knowledge that her father's will, touching his funeral, was not performed, petitioned the then 34 THE SEPULCHRAL EFFIGIES IN THE Lord Bishop of Exon that the corpse might be taken up, and according to his will buried at Lustleigh, which was granted, and thereupon a mandatum was sent forth, which, in regard of a matter so strange and unusual, some happily may desire to read it, whereof behold the transcript : " Registrum venerabilis in Christo patris Domini Johannis de Grandison dudum Exon Episcopi incepti in manerium ejusdem patris apud Chudleigh die Mercurii in festo sancti Luc. Evang., viz., 23 die mensis Octob. an. 1329, consecrationeum suae insipierit. '' Mandat. ad exhauriend. corpus Domini Willielmi Pruz. milit. quarto die calend. Novemb. apud Chudlegh envenerunt mandatum Henr. Berry Decanus de Holbogiton nunc Holberton, sub hac forma. Ex parte nobilis mulieris Domine Alicie Mules vobis est intimatum quod cum nobilis vir Dominus Willielmus le Prouz pater ejus Miles parochianus in ecclesia de Lustlegh corpus suum deposuit in ultima voluntate sua in ecclesia de Lustlegh sepeliri, quidam tamen corpus ejus in ecclesi de Holberton sepeliri, minus voluntat. performat. fecerunt. " Volentes igitur & omnes pias & honestas voluntates exsequi defunctorum, vobis committimus et mundamus quatenus corpus per legitimam inquisitionem vocat. et vocam. Ita esse inveneritis ossa prcefati militis, cum reverentia qua decet, faciatis exhumare, ac apud ecclesiam parochialem de Lustlegh quam primum poteritis transportare. "Sir William Prouz, who was Lord of Gidleigh in the reign of Henry III,, had issue four sons ; to the eldest, bearing his own name, he gave Gidleigh and Throwleigh, to Sir Richard he gave Ashreshton, now Ashton, and Sir Hugh, the third son, had Stapleton, Gatcombe and Widworthy. From the heirs general of which three knights are sprung divers dignous houses." Marldon. This effigy is in an abbuttal, which forms part of the handsome stone screen that formerly existed in the Church. Doubtless there was originally another figure in the now vacant arch at the other end. This elegant memorial is said to have been erected by the Gilberts, who for a long period resided at the neighbouring Castle of Compton. Thomas Gilbert, of Compton, had issue, Otho, who was Sheriff 15 Edward IV, 1476, he was also Patron of the perpetual Chantry of S. PARISH CHURCHES OF SOUTH DEVON. 35 George in the parish Church ; and his son, John Gilbert, presented to the same in 1492. To these succeeded John, Humphry, Adrian and others. Raleigh Gilbert was living there in Sir W. Pole's time, 1630. It probably represents Otho Gilbert above described. Membury. This effigy is under a low arch in the north transept. It portrays a Female, and is almost an exact duplicate of that in Axminster Church, without the small shrine, and is considered to represent the same person, Alice de Mohun. Membury is a dependent chapelry of Axminster. Modbury. Four effigies formerly graced the precincts of this interesting Church. Two of these were originally Crusaders, of one, only the head remains and portion of the body, of the other, merely the head. Another effigy represents a Lady. The fourth is of much later date, and of alabaster, with very fine workmanship, a Knight in complete plate armour, dating toward the close of the fifteenth century. He is habited, and is in all respects exactly like those at Plympton, with whom he evidently appears to have lived contemporary. There are two recessed mortuary arches with Early canopies in the south transept, in these, now, the Knight in plate armour and one of the Crusaders are placed. Another arch, with much richer canopy, and later date, occurs in the north transept, and in this the head and body of the other Crusader, and that of the Lady are heaped up. They appear to have been all moved, and it is probable that three older effigies occupied the three arches originally, and that the tomb which supported the alabaster figure has been destroyed. An almost exactly similar effigy to this last described is found in Netherbury Church, Dorset, on an alabaster tomb. To whom we may venture to assign these effigies must be a matter of great uncertainty. The early possessors of Modbury were the Okestons. " Sir Alexander de Okeston which married lone, 36 THE SEPULCHRAL EFFIGIES IN THE the widdowe of Ralph de Valletort, had issue, Sir James de Okeston, which died without issue, with commandment of King Edward the 2, (hee) conveyed Modbury and all other lands, formerly granted unto his father by Roger de Valletort, unto Sir Richard Chambernon, which was the son of Richard ; the said Richard, the father, was younger son of Sir Henry Chambernon, of Clyst Chambernon." (Pole). It may be these figures represent the Okestons. The other Knight, from the similarity of costume and treatment to those at Plympton, may possibly be intended for Sir John Champernowne, who married first, Margaret, the daughter of Sir Philip Courtenay, of Molland (temp. 1488), and sister of Sir William Courtenay, of Loughtor, Plympton ; secondly, he married Jane West, of Loughtor. Ottery S. Mary. These two interesting statues are supposed to be Sir Otho Grandison (brother to Bishop Grandison, and founder of the College of Ottery in 1335), and Beatrice his wife, daughter and co-heir of Nicholas Malmaynes. Sir Otho by will, dated 1360, bequeathed his body to be buried in the Collegiate Church of Ottery S. Mary, in case his death happened to be there; but if at Chellesfield in Kent, then in the Chapel of S. John's in that town, but no evidence has been found at Chellesfield of his having been interred there. The costume and armour seem to bespeak an earlier date. Are they cenotaphs to John and Sibilla Grandison, the parents of Otho, who were buried in the Church of the Cistercian Abbey of Dore, in Herefordshire 1 Paignton. The remains of four graceful effigies recline in the two compartments of the beautiful screen across the south transept. This screen is tradition ally said to have been erected by the Kirkhams of Blagdon, in this parish, and the figures to represent some members of that family, which began, says Pole, to dwell there in Edward I. time, and continued until these days (1630). Nicholas Kirkham was Sheriff of Devon, 2 PARISH CHURCHES OF SOUTH DEVON 37 Edward II. ; another Nicholas, 11 Richard II. ; and Sir John Kirkham, 15 Henry VIII. The heir general of the Kirkhams of Blagdon and Feniton, Margaret, daughter of James Kirkham, married William Westofer of Yardbury, Colyton, and was there buried, 161 7. The armour on the figures, and the style of architecture, form of shields, &c, belong to the close of the fifteenth century ; Sir John Kirkham, Knight, of Blagdon, lived there, temp. Henry VII. (Pole). Plympton. In this fine Church are two effigies almost exactly alike in costume and treatment. That in the north aisle represents Richard Strode of Newenham, Esq., as directed by his will dated 12 October. 1464. In this will he alluded to an incised stone in memory of his father, thus : — "Petra patrfa met maculpta rum tatta btxbm, oioelt'cet; l^ic jacet Sate Strooe oe Ikfoljm armig." whose chapel in his manor of Newenham was licensed by Bishop Lacy, 20 May, 1432. Nothing can now be found of this gravestone. The other figure in the south aisle belongs to the noble race of Courtenay, who long had possessions in Plympton. It is probably intended for William Courtenay, Esq., of Loughtor, in Plympton, and son of Sir Philip Courtenay, of Molland, by his wife Elizabeth, daughter of Walter Lord Hungerford, who was living there (at Molland) in 1488. There should seem to be little doubt of this, the three sickles conjoined, the badge of the Hungerfords, occur on the soffits of the arch o?er the figure ; the same badge is shewn on the fine heraldic chimneypiece in the Bishop's Palace, Exeter, erected by Bishop Peter Courtenay, who was brother to this supposed William. William Courtenay had one son, called by Pole, Sir Philip Courtenay, of Loughtor, who by his wife Jane, daughter of Richard Fowell, of Fowellscombe, left issue one daughter, married to William Strode, of Newenham, Esq., whose monument is found in the Church, with that of his lady, and dated 1632. It does not appear who William Courtenay married. The arms on 38 THE SEPULCHRAL EFFIGIES IN THE the tomb are— 1. Courtenay, with a label of three, impaling; — 2. On a bend three crosslets fitchee ;— a coat similar to that of Pruteson, of Prute- son, in Newton Ferrers, whose heiress married Fortescue. Powderham. This effigy reclines under a low arch at the end of the south aisle. Tradition has assigned it, says Dr. Oliver, to be Isabella de Fortibus (obiit 1292), but she was buried in Bromnor Priory, Wilts, and this would be also much too early a date for the costume. The same able authority thinks it more probable that it is a cenotaph to Elizabeth, daughter of Edward I., wife of Humphry de Bohun, Earl of Hereford, and mother of Margaret, wife of Hugh Courtenay, third Earl of Devon (obiit 1377), and buried with his Countess in the nave of Exeter Cathedral. Powderham belonged to the Bohuns, and the above named Humphry gave it to his daughter Margaret as her marriage portion, and she by her will dated 1390, bequeathed it to her fourth son, Sir Philip Courtenay. This Elizabeth de Bohun died 5 May, 1316, aged 32, and was buried at the altar steps of the Lady Chapel, in Walden Abbey, Essex. This date would agree nearly with the character of the dress, and there is an additional peculiarity relative to the dog at the feet of this figure, which has on a collar of quatrefoils or roses, the effigy itself is very noble. Sampford Peverell. This figure is placed on the floor on the north side of the Chancel, and appears to have been removed from its original position. It is a Crusader, and much mutilated, the legs below the knees being wholly gone. He is supposed to represent one of the Peverells, the ancient lords of the place, " which began to inhabit in this shire in the days of Henry I. In the 8th Henry II. (1162) here lived William Peverell, whom successively followed Sirs Hugh, Richard, William, Hugh, and Hugh. Sir John Peverell, of Sampford, had issue Thomas, who died without issue, and the estate went by [his sister to her husband, Sir Elias Cottel. The arms PARISH CHURCHES OF SOUTH DEVON. 39 of Peverell were in divers of the windows, according to Risdon ; no trace is now to be found of such. Stoke Fleming. This effigy is in the Chancel. The early possessors of this place were the Flemynges, or Flemings, temp. Henry II. From them it passed to the Mohuns, the last of whom, Sir William, by his wife Beatrix Fitz- Piers, had issue Elinor and Mary, Mary married Sir John Meriet, and died without issue ; Elinor married Sir John Carew, son of Sir Nicholas Carew and Amisia his wife, sister to Sir John Peverell of Ermington. In 25 Edward I. (1297) these heiresses made partition of their lands, and Elinor's portion passed to her son Nicholas. The Carews also inherited by this alliance Ottery Fleming in Luppitt, afterwards and still known as Ottery Mohun. The costume of the figure is similar to that used at the close of the thirteenth century, and the attitude is exactly the same as one at Haccombe. Probably the effigy represents Eleanor Mohun, wife of Sir John Carew, who is buried (as previously presumed) at Luppitt, and the effigy destroyed. South Pool. Two effigies are found here. One, a Lady, is under the window in the south transept, and has apparently hitherto escaped the notice of antiquaries. Anno 1340 (19 Edward III.), Sir Thomas de Courtenay was lord of South Pool, from whom it came to Peverel and Hungerford. Sir Thomas was son of Hugh (second of that name) Earl of Devon ; he married Muriel de Mules, his cousin, daughter of John de Mules and Margaret Courtenay, his father's sister. The costume of this effigy is about the date before given ; is this Muriel de Courtenay, or does she lie at Kino-'s Carswell ; or is the lady at King's Carswell Muriel de Dinham, the daughter ? The other effigy on the Easter Sepulchre in the Chancel is to the L 40 THE SEPULCHRAL EFFIGIES IN THE memory of Thomas Briant, formerly Rector of South Pool and Portle- mouth. In the spandrils of the canopy are the letters " C3S," and on the frieze this inscription : — " l£nc jaret oiia Comas 3Srtat quoo. rector, hftu ecrlcs. et IPottelem.' Tamerton Foliot. These fine effigies are now found at the end of the north aisle, their original position was under the first arch of the nave, adjoining the Chancel on the north side. They are in comparatively excellent preservation, the angels with their quaint head-dresses and constrained postures being very perfect. On the knight's surcoat may be seen the device of the Gorges, three gorges, or whirlpools, one within the other, which identifies him with that family who (temp. Henry III.) married the heiress of Foliot of Warleigh, and so inherited the manor of Tamerton. After continuing for six descents in the Gorges, it passed by successive female heirs to Bonville, Coplestone, and Radcliffe. On a large genea logical shield displayed on the adjoining monument of John Coplestone, (ob. 1608) the arms of Bonville and Gorges are quartered. Tradition in the parish assigns these figures to be Sir Ralph de Gorges and Ellen his wife, daughter of Robert Foliot of Warleigh, temp. Henry III. ; the costume indicates a later date, probably Thomas or William de Gorges, his grandsons, who flourished anno 19 Edward III., 1346. TOWNSTAL. This effigy, a Civilian, is in the south transept. There is no record to give a clue to his identity. PARISH CHURCHES OF SOUTH DEVON. 41 Upton Pyne. This effigy occurs in the south aisle of the nave. It is laid on a raised tomb, and over the canopy is this fragment of the original inscrip tion. — "©rate pro ata comot Haroer, ar," Below are four shields thus charged — 1. Three piles in chief — (Larder.) 2. Larder, impaling Barry (? ) of six. 3. Larder, imp. a chevron. 4. Larder, imp. tiro bars. The peculiarities of this figure point to the end of the fifteenth, or early in the sixteenth century, and in all probability it re presents Edmund Larder, Esq., whose feoffees of estate after his decease presented Peter Mainwaring to the benefice of Upton Pyne 1521. William Larder, father of the foregoing, mariied a daughter of Pyne of Upton Pyne. Adjoining the tomb of Edmund Larder is another to a later member of this family, Humphrey Larder, 1588, and Margaret his wife, 1604. Widworthy. This effigy is situate in the north transept, and represents a Knight ; on the shield are these arms — Three lions rampant, between six cross crosslets. Sir William Prouz of Gidleigh married Alice, otherwise Emma, daughter and heiress of Sir Hugh de Widworthy of Widworthy, by whom he had four sons. To one of these, Hugh, he gave Stapleton, Widworthy, and Gatcombe in Colyton. It is very probable this effigy represents Sir Hugh de Prouz, or one of his successors, as Widworthy remained for several descents in this name until the heiress of the family brought it to Wotton. The arms on the shield, though differing from the usual coat assigned to Prouz, by the addition of the crosslets, are substantially the same as given by Sir W. Pole for " Prouz of Widworthy." The crosslets were added for difference, doubtless, to the parent coat. The arms of Chudleigh, (afterwards of Broadclyst) who married a niece of this Sir Hugh, being a daughter and co-heir of his brother, Sir Richard Prouz of Ashton, 13 Edward ID., are also very similar, and were probably adopted. L2 42 THE SEPULCHRAL EFFIGIES IN THE Poughill. The bench ends in this Church are finely carved with the emblems of the Passion, and also the following shields:— 1. A bend sinister between three ros»s. 2. A chevron between three lance rests (Grenville of Poughill?). 3. The same coat with the Sacred Monogram. 4. Two chevronels. 5. On a chevron three roses, in chief a rest (Gilbert or More?). G. Three roses, in chief a cock. 7. Two keys in saltire, reversed. 8. A saltire charged with a lozenge between two roses. 8. A saltire with a rose in chief 9. A chevron, in chief a fleur-de-lys. 10. Three fleur-de-lys in bend. 11. On a chief dove-tailed the sun in splendour. 12. On a saltire, five roses. 13. A chevron between three buckles. 14. Two roses in pcde. 15. Three chevronels. These arms do not appear to belong to the County, and it is ques tionable whether they are correctly blazoned. Numbers 2, 3, and 5 apparently relate to an unrecorded branch of the Grenville family that were resident in the parish, and to a member of whom an inscription still exists in the Church : — In memory of Mary the wife of Richard Avery of this •parish and daughter of Richard Grenville, gent, and Mary his wife, who died the 12 day of August 1757. Aged 72. Arms : — A bar between three rests. This appears to be the parent coat of Grenville differenced with a bar; on the bench end it is a chevron. In the Register it is found Richard Grenville (ob. 1G39) married Gertrude? (ob. 1662), had issue diamond and Grace, diamond (ob. 1689) married Honour ? had issue Richard, James, diamond, and others. Richard (ob. 1725) married Mary ? had issue Richard, Gertrude, Mary (who is commemorated in the inscription), Anne, and others. Susannah, sister to Richard (ob. 1639) mariied Richard Prust, 1596. Where they were resident in the parish does not appear. CATHEDRAL CHURCH OF S. PETER. 43 APPENDIX. The preceding pages are, in conformity to the object specially intended, devoted to a Description and History of the Ancient Sepulchral Effigies found in the Parish Churches of South Devon. Of course, in such an arrangement, a notice of the numerous examples of this striking form of monumental memorial found in our venerable and noble Cathedral could find no place ; indeed, a volume itself would be none too small to be devoted to a complete description of them with corresponding engravings. Happily such an undertaking is not needed, as they have nearly all been amply described and illustrated at various times by Britton, Lysons, and others, and, more recently, in valuable contributions to the Transactions of the Diocesan Architectural Society; but it has been thought desirable to include a short notice of them here. Their number amounts to fifteen; of these, seven are Bishops, who have presided over this important diocese, five Knights, one Lady, and two Funereal Figures of death. Effigy of Bishop Bartholomew, obiit 1184, on the south side of the Lady Chapel: In pontificalihus, he wears an acutely pointed small mitre, and is habited in chasuble, dal matic, stole, and alb. The beard is cut short, his right hand is raised in benediction, his left holds the pastoral staff, which has a plain convolute at the top, and from the arm is suspended the maniple. The feet rest on a curiously shaped animal with one head and two bodies. The material employed is Pur- beck marble, and over the figure is a sharply pointed arch supported on pillars with Early capitals ; in the spandrils are angels swinging thuribulae. The figure is cut on a coifin-shaped stone, and is in bas-relief only. Effigy of Bishop Hexby Marshall, obiit 1206, on the north side of the Choir. In pontifiealibus, the mitre obtusely pointed and low, with flowing inf uilse attached. A richly worked trefoil ornamented apparel surrounds the shoulders below the collar of the amice. The feet are clad in embroidered hose, and rest on a dragon. The left hand holds a pastoral staff, the right is raised in benedic tion ; on the second finger is the episcopal ring. Over the figure is a cusped arch, supported on pillars ; in the spandrils are angels displaying labels. The tomb under is beautifully ornamented with foliage, and quatrofoil openings between, in which sit emblematic figures, probably of the orders and offices of the priesthood ; corbel heads representing royalty and episcopacy; and, at the end, figures of SS. Peter and Paul. The whole is of Purbeck marble, and the effigy in alto-relievo. 44 THE SEPULCHRAL EFFIGIES IN THE Effigy of Bishop Simon de Apulia, obiit 1224, on the south side of the Lady Chapel : In pontifiealibus, a rich apparel round the shoulders, and the mitre, amice, maniple, stole, and other portions of his costume, elaborately embroidered and ornamented. The bishop holds the pastoral staff in his left hand, and has the other hand crossed on the breast with two fingers extended as in benediction. The feet rest on a lion's head, and a cusped arch, supported on pillars, sur rounds the head of the figure. In the span drils are angels with labels. A very fine effigy, in alto-relievo, on a coffin-shaped stone, of Purbeck marble. Effigy of Bisnop Walter Bronescombe, obiit 22 July, 1280, in the south monumental screen at the west end of the Lady Chapel: In pontifiealibus, magnificently illuminated with colors, the mitre richly jewelled, and all the ecclesiastical apparel superbly em broidered and ornamented. He holds a pastoral staff in his hand, and the feet rest on a lion. Around the head is a pointed arch, supported on pillars, the whole en riched with foliage of Early English type. This noble figure is, perhaps, taken alto gether, the finest specimen of medieval sepulchral statuary art in the county, and deserves to be most carefully relieved of the dark wash that now obscures it. This effigy, evidently, originally formed the top stone or cover of an earlier coffin-shaped memorial, as the gorgeous tomb screen, within which it now reposes, is, like its opposite neighbour, wherein reclines the figure of Bishop Edmund Stafford, of Perpendicular character, and was, doubtless, erected to harmonize with that prelate's monument, erected after his decease in 1419. The tomb, canopy, and wings, are all elaborately en riched with gold and polychrome; in the panels are saints holding their emblems and labels inscribed with texts of Scripture. Two angels at feet of the figure support shields charged with the arms of Bronescombe, or, on a chevron sable, charged with three quatre- foils of the first, betioeen two heys in chief, and a sword erect in base. Below, are five shields on either side, emblazoned with the coats of the See, Bronescombe, Lacy, Stafford, Edward the Confessor, and others undecipherable. The following is a copy of the inscription which was painted on the edge of the tomb supporting the coffin-shaped stone with the effigy: ©lim st'ncerus pater orrmi iirrnus amore •primus liiEaltcras manna jacet $k in honore (Eot'oit fjtc plura otgnfsstma: lauoe statuta ©use tartqum jnras serbant fyt oia luta <&0 hoc CoIIegtu quoo ©[asneg plebs bocat ofg (¦TonlJtoft ECfretjiu p boce oata sibf sampm's ©uot loca construttt pietatis qnot bona fecit ©m scam ouiitbt'tam bos oicere que scit ILauotbus immensis jubilat gens iEioniensfs =Et chorus et turbe quob natus m fjac fuit uxbe Plus st scire belt's festum statuft ffiabrtelts @au&eat in celt's itjfiur pater iste fioeh's. ^men. Effigy of Bishop "Walter Stapledon, obiit 1326, on the north side of the high Altar : In pontificabihts, with a pastoral staff in the left hand, and a book in the right. It is probable the hand holding the book is a subsequent alteration, and that, originally, the hand was raised in benediction The canopy is of rich character, and inside over the effigy is a painting of the Saviour, with a peculiar nimbus. A curious climbing figure is also at the corner of the canopy above the feet of the Bishop. Over are the arms of Stapledon: argent, ttco bends wavy, sable; a bordure azan; double keyed, or. There is a long inscription on that portion of the monument facing the north choir aisle, written by John Hooker, Chamberlain of Exeter iu 15,54. The bishop is said to have been murdered in 1326. (Polwhele.) CATHEDRAL CHURCH OF S. PETER. 45 Effigy of Bishop Edmund Stafford, obiit 3 September, 1419, on the north-west side of the Lady Chapel, on a rich tomb almost exactly similar to Bishop Bronescombe's. In pontifieabilus, with jewelled mitre and embroidered vestments. The hands are joined in prayer, and the feet rest on a lion. This beautiful effigy is of alabaster and the work manship very fine, with great character in the features, which are, probably, a portrait. Over the head is a rich canopy. Various shields occur on the tomb under, but the bearings are almost wholly obliterated ; a- mongst them may be recognized the arms of Stafford. Around the edge of the tomb is this inscription : "3&tc jaeet dBbmunbus be Stattorb, mtumulatus ©uonbam proutnbus Iegurn boctor repbtatus Uerbt's facunbus comitum be sttrpe rreatus Jelts ei munbus pater ijujus pontificates. S-oIt ©to honor et gloria Qeu abora omt bt'e omi hora Heu Iauba ac tmplora. fHemento finis. Effigy of Bishop Hugh Oldham, obiit 1519, in S. Saviour's Chantry, south choir aisle : In pontifiealibus, with jewelled mitre, and richly embroidered vestments ; in his hand is the pastoral staff; the whole figure fully il luminated in color and gilding, which has been recently restored. On the frieze of the tomb is this inscription : " flf ic jacet l^ugo ©Ibfjam, iSps qi objtt sib0 bt'c Suntt ano 13m millo ccccc sir cuj ate ppt Ileus." Over are the prelate's arms : sable, a chevron or, between tlwee owls, proper, on a chief of the second, three roses gules. In the corner of this handsome Chantry over the Altar is the unique allusive rebus of the bishop, an owl with wings displayed, having in his beak a label inscribed with the syllable " ham." Effigy of a Crusader, in south choir aisle, supposed of the Ralegh family : about a.d. 1320. Cross-legged, at half-turn, in hauberk and coif of ring mail, genouillers and coudieries of plate, long surcoat, shield on left arm slung from a guige, right hand grasping his sword, head on helmet, feet on a lion, and angels at the shoulders. Effigy of a Crusader, in south choir aisle supposed of Humphrey de Bohun, obiit 16 March, 1321 : Exactly similar in attitude, costume, and position to the preceding. This figure has the remains of polychrome decoration apparent on it, a diamond-shaped ornament is visible on the belt, and the mail was pourtrayed by similar means. There are no angels at the shoulders of this effigy. Effigy of a Crusader, in the north choir aisle, said to represent Sir Richard Staple don, brother to Bishop Walter Stapledon, obiit 1331 or after: Very similar in attitude, armour, and po sition to the two preceding figures. At his head stands a mailed figure, and at his feet a horse held by another figure. Over the effigy is a rich cusped and crocketed canopy flanked by buttresses and pinnacles. The figure is apparently of much earlier date than the period indicated above. Effigy of Hugh de Courtenay, Earl of Devon (obiit 1377) and his Countess Margaret, daughter of Humphry de Bohun. Earl of Hereford and Essex (obiit 1391), Under the south tower : The earl is pourtrayed in plate and chain armour as described in Division III. ; his feet rest on a lion, and on his surcoat are the arms of Courtenay. The Countess in crene lated head-dress, cote-hardie, and long gown ; at her feet the double swans of Bohun. 46 CATHEDRAL CHURCH OF S. PETER. The tomb on which they rest is ornamented with rich niches, and below is a series of shields exhibiting the numerous alliances of the noble family of Courtenay. This tomb and its recumbent figures has recently been restored, and removed from its original position, which was under the eastern most arch of the southern arcade of the nave. When first erected there, it was enclosed in a beautiful Cha:ihy of open screen work. Effigy of Sir John Speke, Knight, obiit 1518, in the Chapel of S. George, north choir aisle : In plate armour, small tuilles and skirt of mail, sword, misericorde, and spurs. The head is uncovered, with curled hair, and rests on a helmet ; round the neck is a double chain with cross attached The feet rest on a herison or hedgehog. (Cotemporary with Division IV.) The arms of Speke, argent, two bars azure, over all a double headed eagle displayed, or, — Courtenay, numerous other alliances, and the badge of the family, a hedgehog, occur on the walls of the highly enriched Chantry, which was evidently founded as a mortuary one, with the altar where the present doorway now occurs, and intended as a companion to its equally ornate opposite neighbour of Bishop Oldham. Memento M'ori, in the north aisle of the choir. The figure lies on a low tomb under a groined canopy, and an obtuse arch enriched round the soffit and flanked by pinnacles. In the spandrils are shields displaying the arms of the See ; above is a cornice and erecting of leaves. Within the recess are two shields, but the emblazonry has disappeared. Over is this inscription : Esta figura bocet $os omnes premebitart ©ualiter ipsa nocet ffiors quanbo faertit bominarf. Probably erected for a bishop towards the end of the fifteenth century. Memento Mori, in the screen of the small mortuary Chapel of Sub-Chanter William Sylke, obit 1485. In the north-east corner of the north tower : A small emaciated figure of death in a winding sheet under an obtuse arch in the screen, which is of open tracery work with niches in the buttresses. Over the effigy is this inscription : Sum qb en's fuexam qj qb eg pr me prccor ora WLill : SIgfte. THE SEPULCHRAL EFFIGIES IN THE PARISH CHURCHES OF NORTH DEVON, AND NOTICES OF OTHER MONUMENTAL AND MEMORIAL SCULPTURE FOUND IN THE COUNTY, BY W. H. HAMILTON ROGERS, F.S.A. The Sepulchral Effigies in the parish Churches of North Devon, like those found in the Southern division of the County, form a most important series of figures equally interesting to the historian or antiquary. They occur very evenly distributed in the village sanctuaries that have their abiding places in the broad open valleys, or occupy a more exalted position on the bleak hills overlooking the far reaching solitary moorlands that abound in the district. Ever habited as they lived— and stretched as in their last sleep, when the warm glance of earthly love bid them their last farewell — so do these graven semblances of the possessors of past, and now well nigh forgotten lives, appear. Woman, in her simple robes and snowy wimple ; or with more costly bedeckment of broidered stomacher and iewelled coiffure. Man, in his holy and peaceful vestments, as representacive of the Good Shepherd, or reposing in martial state, with limbs stiffened hi their mail casing, armed and bedizened as if prepared to rise from the bier, and only waiting the call of an earthly trumpet to engage again in the issue of some fierce mortal conflict. And, as we view their faithfully wrought proportions, while they lie before us with their prayer-raised hands ; so do these stony ideals of a thousand generations gone, claim and unite the gazer on them, in one unending brotherhood of holy faith — mutely appeal that protection be afforded to these last offerings of friendship or love from further outrage — 44 SEPULCHRAL EFFIGIES TN THE invite and enlist the warm sympathies of the heart to rescue their memory, if it may be, from the silent footstep of oblivion, and unravel once more their olden name and history, ere the cunning of the sculptor has crumbled from the stone, and the proud blazonry of the herald rusted and faded for ever. "Who is the champion? Who the strong? Baron and priest and sceptred throng, On these shall fall As heavily the hand of death, As when it stays the shepherd's breath Beside his stall. "Where are the high born dames, and where Their gay attire and jewelled hair, And odours sweet? Where are the gentle knights that came To kneel and breathe love's ardent flame Low at their feet ? " Tourney and joust that charmed the eye, And scarf and armoured panoply And nodding plume, What were they but a pageant scene ? What but the garlands gay and green That deck the tomb?" — Longfellow. Be the desire then to rescue these fading memories, the no less pleasant than interesting occupation and purpose of the following pages, when, it is hoped, the whole of the remarkable and fine series of Sepulchral Stone Effigies coming within the boundaries of the time specified, a.d. 1250 — 1550; whose presence gives so much attraction to our parish churches, and whose description occupies such an important position in the history of this large county, will, as far as their number is known, or the means for their identification exist, be put on record. " They are not dead — lo ! every plain and hill ?Sends forth a voice, and teems with spirits still ; What though no more they teach, with valour burn, The sage and warrior speak from out the urn, And each lone wreck that moss and ivies bind, Points to bright days, and speaks of God-like mind." PARISH CHURCHES OF NORTH DEVON. 45 Positions. — Usually on tombs in the walls of the edifice and resting with great probability over the ashes of those they were intended to portray ; persons who in life were possessed of considerable influence or social position, in or connected with the parish; the priest or patron of the benefice, lord of the manor, or large landholder, or celebrated for military prowess or civil renown. Occasionally they bear impress of commemorating the last resting place of the Founders or Builders of that portion of the fabric in which they occur, evidenced by the unity of design and agreement of architectural style and details near, and where the tomb seems to be an integral part of the structure, and apparently forming a portion of the design of the building at the time of its erection. Examples of such coincidence may be seen in the tomb of the judge in the Decorated transept . at West Downe with its piscina, and, doubtless, antiently accompanying altar; at Sheviock where the knight and his lady occupy a similar position; at Ash water where the well defined characteris tics of the late Perpendicular mark the tomb and aisle in which it is found, and exhibit evidence of the same era and probably design ; again at Bideford, where the inscription denotes him to have been the patron of the benefice ; and at Bundleigh. But some of the effigies have been moved from their original positions. The crusader at Georgeham scarcely occupies his antient place, lying where he does at present, under the first arch of the nave, west of the Chancel. A glance around this Church seems to assure this, especially when a long alabaster panel on which is sculptured the Crucifixion with attendant figures, and -which has the appearance of having formed the central portion of the antient reredos, finds no better place for preser vation than the outside of the wall of the north aisle. The knight and lady at Wear-Giffard were probably originally together ; at Landkey, of the effigies exhumed, one may have occupied the low arch on the north side of the Chancel ; at Broadwood-Widger, the mutilated knight formerly reclined on his tomb, which had its station beneath the second arch in the south aisle of the Chancel, but recently removed to a position in the east wall of the same aisle. At Atherington, the three effigies assume the office of cenotaphs only, V 46 SEPULCHRAL EFFIGIES IN THE having been brought from the antient domestic Chapel at Umberleigh, early in the present century. The tomb at Bideford is the only specimen found wholly detached from the walls of the edifice in the district; at Horwood, the figure was, perhaps, originally laid in the recess under the north-east window of the aisle. At Dunster (Somerset), the effigies of the knight and lady occupy the Founders' place^ in an opening at the extreme north-east end of the choir of the Priory portion of the Church, leading to the chantry adjoining. The effigy of the lady on the opposite side occupies an equally dis tinguished position. Condition. — Tolerably well preserved on the whole, better perhaps than those found in South Devon. The milder and usual form of mutilation, loss of the hands and feet of the effigy, and disappearance of the angels at the shoulders, and animals supporting the feet is frequent ; but the grosser barbarities that occasionally attend the fate of these figures is happily not so rife, with the exception of the knight at Broadwood-Widger, of whom the upper part of the effigy only remains, and the mutilated effigy at Atherington ; but here, time, and the crumbling nature frequently seen exhibited by the seemingly hard material employed, Purbeck marble, appear to have materially aided the work of destruction. The fine crusader at Iddesleigh is in excellent preservation, due perhaps to the fact of his having been literally " cup-boarded " behind the friendly shelter of the old high seats ; also the effigies found at Wear Giffard, Arlington and Bideford, although in the usually exposed situations; and again at Landkey, but here one figure had been walled in, and the two others buried probably for centuries beneath the floor, all three having been discovered during the recent restoration of the Church. The knight at Dunster, Somerset, is mutilated as high as the legs extend. " Shattered with age, and furrowed o'er with years, Worn on the edge of days, the brass consumes, The busto moulders, and the deep cut marble Gives up its charge." — BLAIR. PARISH CHURCHES OF NORTH DEVON. 47 Attempted Restorations. — Fortunately but in few instances has this well meant, but resolutely to be deprecated propensity been attempted, and only in small degree. Several of the effigies have been scraped and cleaned of the accumulated dirt of ages, and coatings of whitewash spread over them by antient decorators, and this, desirable process seems to have been carefully and circumspectly done, and no attempt afterwards made to destroy the original lines and contour of the figure by tooling the surface. Others again appear in all their olden neglected state, waiting for some judicious and friendly hand, to relieve them from the indignity of lime- wash, green mould, and dirt, that covers them, disfiguring their fair proportions, and hiding all the cunning of the sculptors' art. Colours. — Many of the effigies were originally painted and gilded, traces of which are still found on them. At Landkey the crusader had his mail painted on the stone, not incised, and the surcoat was tinted blue ; of the lady in the transept the cushion was red, and there is a painted representation of the Crucifixion on the wall at the back of the arch over the figure, and the gown and mantle of the other lady were red. Traces of red and black are found on the judge at West Downe, and the same colours occur on the barbe and gown of the lady at Shebbear. At Tawstock the robe was apparently blue ; at Sheviocke a profusion of gilding is employed, the whole of the plate armour of the knight, and the elaborate head-dress and ornaments on the breast of the lady being so distinguished, the cote-hardie was green and the gown black. Curiously enough the other knight in the north aisle, who seems to be in every particular an exact replica of the knight in the transept, has not a single trace of gilding or colour on it, and apparently never had any. The effigies in alabaster (as was usual when this costly material was employed) appear to have had no further ornament but gilding. The enrichments of Lord Hungerford's armour were gilded. Traces of colour are discoverable under the lime-wash that covers the Duchess of York's effigy in Westminster Abbey. Effigy with Children. — A remarkable example, evidently of children, 48 SEPULCHRAL EFFIGIES IN THE appearing with these early effigies, occurs at Horwood. Three are found — two boys on the right side, and a girl on the left — enfolded close to the figure by the mantle. Angels at the head and feet. — These beautifully conceived attendant symbols occur in nine instances at the heads of the effigies in the two earlier divisions, after which time, or about the beginning of the fifteenth century, they were discontinued. They are found in the usual kneehng or half recumbent posture, with arms outstretched, supporting the head and shoulder of the figure. " Blessed angels, That watch and duly ward, And all for love, and nothing for reward." — Spencer. At Landkey they carry labels, and at Wear-Giffard with one hand they hold up the winding sheet or covering of the bier on which the body reclines ; with this figure also a third angel is found, sitting at its feet. Animals at the feet. — Each effigy, except in two instances, Horwood and Plymouth, has an animal at its feet, and in five examples there are two. Lions (there are two at Georgeham) are found at the feet of the knights, except at Bideford, where they are supported by two half dogs conjoined, a change of animal only seen in these later effigies. Dogs, with three exceptions, appear at the feet of the priests and women. There are two with the lady at Wear Giffard ; also at Sheviocke, where they wear collars with bells, and are intended to represent different breeds, pug and spaniel apparently. At Arlington there is a dog, and what appears to be an angel; at Landkey one of the ladies has the remains of a scaly nondescript animal with formidable claws ; and the lady at Sherwill a Hon. At CaUington there is a Hon, and in addition there are two monks or weepers behind the lion, one supporting each foot. They are seated, with one hand covering the face, the other holding a thurible. The figure at Plymouth has his feet placed on square supports ; at the feet of the lady at Horwood is a shield ; at Salisbury the feet of Lord Hungerford rest on a dog, with a rich collar and a long cord knotted and brought up beside the figure. •PARISH CHURCHES OF NORTH DEVON. 49 Materials employed. — A white or reddish sandstone or freestone is the ordinary material. At Horwood it is alabaster. The crusader at Athering- ton, and the civilian at Plymouth are of Purbeck marble ; at West Downe and Tawstock oak is used. The effigies at Dunster are of alabaster. Purbeck marble was usually employed for the earliest effigies, where the figure was in alto relievo only, and sculptured out of the same slab that formed the coffin shaped stone or lid on which it reposed. The crusader at Atherington occurs thus, and of this material ; so also are the three early bishops in the Cathedral assigned to Bartholomew (ob. 1184), Marshal (ob. 1206), and De Apulia (ob. 1224), and the effigies at Townstal and Plymouth. This dark hard material, which was also much in request otherwise for the shafting of pillars, &c, during the Early English, and Early Decorated periods, does not appear to have been used for the production of effigies after the first quarter of the fourteenth century although large slabs were afterwards employed for the inlaying of memorial brasses both on high tombs and in the pavement, and occasionally much later, for the fabrication of the high tombs themselves, as at Bampton, A period immediately succeeding Purbeck may be assigned to the effigies in oak, at West Downe and Tawstock; and exceedingly well, considering the peculiar dangers to which wood is exposed, have these figures endured, but the timber was evidently of much finer and more matured growth, than any obtainable now. From the first quarter of the fourteenth, to the middle of the sixteenth century, effigies were commonly formed of a reddish, or white, sand or freestone, sometimes resembling the quality of stone occurring near, and at others of a character more like that found at Beer, or Ham Hill, Somerset. The beautiful material alabaster was sparingly employed, and usually reserved for the effigies of persons of considerable local position, and does not appear until the first quarter of the fifteenth century, cotemporary with the age of complete plate armour. Effigies at Dunster, Horwood, Modbury, Haccombe, Callington, Salisbury, and Bishop Stafford (ob. 1419) in the Cathedral, are of alabaster, but no example appears in the series among the antient effigies presumably later than the end of the fifteenth century, or very early in the sixteenth; the latest being Lord WiUoughby de Broke, at Callington, ob. 1501. 50 SEPULCHRAL EFFIGIES IN THE Classification.— A corresponding order of four divisions cr eras is observed as in the description of the South Devon effigies, and the investigation extends over the same period of time, viz., a.d. 1250 — 1550. Number. — There are twenty-three imposed or sculptured stone effigies in North Devon ; of these five are cross-legged figures, four armed knights, one judge, one priest, one civilian, and eleven women. Total of Effigies in the County. — As far as can be ascertained the total number of these figures at present existing in the parish Churches of the county, inclusive of mutilated portions and the two shrouded figures of death at Paignton and Feniton, is seventy-nine; fourteen cross-legged figures, twenty armed knights, five priests, one judge, four civilians, thirty-three females, and two emblematic. Effigies in other Counties. — The four effigies found at Sheviocke and Callington in Cornwall, three at Dunster in Somerset, one at Ebrington in Gloucestershire, one in Westminster Abbey, and two in Salisbury Cathedral, have been included from the circumstance of their forming integral portions of the history of several of the antient Devonshire families, Mohun, Courtenay, Champernowne, Fortescue, &c., connecting and complet ing their monumental remains, and supplying links . of very great interest when viewed with relation to the effigies representing these names in our own county. Inscriptions Remaining. — Two only are found, one on the tomb at Bideford, which may be considered the latest erection of the series ; the other in Westminster Abbey, which is however almost obliterated. " For marble and recording brass decay, And, like the graver's memory, pass away." — Cowper. Heraldry. — No trace of the heraldic blazonry which originally adorned the shields of the cross-legged knights is now discernible, but the knight at Atherington, of later date, has the device of Champernowne incised on his jupon. The shields found on his tomb, and those similarly occurring PARISH CHURCHES OF NORTH DEVON. 51 at Sherwill, are all void of their antient tincture, eaten away by the effacing whitewash, and the same fate accompanies the shield at the feet of the figure at Horwood, and at Sheviocke. At Ashwater the shields on the spandrils of the arch and in the helmet, fortunately still retain the bearings of Carminow allied with Courtenay, painted in their proper colours. At Bideford the shields display the arms of GranviUe and his impalement of Gilbert, sculptured in relief; at Callington the arms of WiUoughby de Broke, quartering Latimer, Cheney, and Stafford. At Westminster Abbey, Fitz-Walter, Golofre, and Plantagenet, Duke of York, impaling Mohun, pamted on the shields. At Salisbury, Montacute aUied with Monthermer. Attitude. — The early knights cross-legged and grasping their swords and shields in slightly varying positions. Afterwards the feet are parallel and the hands raised in prayer. The knight at Bideford holds a heart in his hands, a frequent occurrence with mediaeval effigies ; this knight is also bare-headed, a practice adopted toward the close of the fifteenth century with armed figures. One of the ladies at Landkey holds the cordon of her mantle with one hand ; all the other females have the hands joined in prayer. Division I, a.d. 1250—1310. Crusaders.' — Cross-legged, in complete suit of chain-mad, with long sur coat over, armed with sword and shield and pryck spurs. AU have genouiUers (knee-pieces) either of leather or plate, and the knight at Georgeham roundels at the elbows. Civilian. — At Plymouth in long gown, with his hair brought down in a curl or roU on each side the face. Women. — In long robe and gown with multitudinous folds, cover-chief on the head depending to the shoulders, and stiff linen gorget round the neck. The hands of several figures are destroyed, but the lady at Land- key gracefully holds the cordon of her mantle with one hand, and at C2 SEPULCHRAL EFFIGIES IN THE Tawstock she wears a ring on the second finger of the right hand. At Wear-Giffard and Tawstock the mantle is fastened across the breast with clasps and a double cord. The cover-chief at Tawstock has a serrated ornament on its edge, an unusual occurrence. The two beautiful effigies at Wear-Giffard and Arlington are dis tinguished by wearing coronets over the cover-chief. These were narrow circlets of gold, supporting a row of clustered gem ornaments above. At Wear-Giffard, the fillet under is studded with alternate oval and diamond-shaped settings ; above, mounted on short feet, are roses, or stars of six round shaped leaves or pearls, alternating with a larger single Wear-Giffard. Arlington. one. At Arlington the fiUet is plain, with a rim moulding, and over are stars of six, five globular shaped, and the top one pointed with facets by the sides, between these are three single pearls lengthwise, a large one between two smaUer. Division II, a.d. 1310—1350. Judge. — At West Downe he appears with a cassock or gown under, over which is a tippet, or second robe extending to the knees, and turned out over the arms, and a large hood or cowl and lappets. Women. — At Landkey the lady wears a close fitting kirtle or gown, with tight sleeves, above this a linen gorget rising to the ears, where it is met by the cover-chief, which is elaborately arranged, and the edges scoUoped or indented. Over aU is a mantle with clasps, and held to gether by a double cord and tassels. Division III, a.d. 1350—1420. Knights. — In plate and chain armour, bascinets, jupons, rich baudricks, and with sword, misericorde, and rowelled spurs. PARISH CHURCHES OF NORTH DEVON. 53 The knight at Atherington has an orle of roses round his bascinet, also his coat armour is emblazoned on his surcoat, and he appears to wear a covering over his camaU ; both surcoat and camaU having a similarly ornamented edging, with the under-lying mad shewn between. Atherington. Landkey. The head reclines on a large tilting helmet of unusual pattern. At Sheviocke the genouiUers are enriched at the edges, and smaU roundels occur at the elbows. Both knights are moustached and have rich baudricks. Both sword and misericorde remain at Atherington. At S. Andrew's, Plymouth, the fragment appears to be of this era, and has traces of a camaU, and jupon. Women. — At SherwiU the lady wears a long straight folded gown, fastened with a close set row of smaU buttons, over which is a mantle tied with a cord and clasps ; the square head-dress is ornamented with a row of roses along its front edge. At Atherington she is simflarly attired, the ornaments being of a richer description. She wears a reticulated head dress, with puffs on each side the face, and round the forehead a fillet with gems and the letter JH alternating. At Sheviocke, the dress is a i1 1 ^ Atherington. Shebbeare. cote-hardie, gown, and mantle fastened across the chest with five very large rich clasps; the head-dress is square and most elaborately decorated with bands of jeweUed ornaments. At Shebbeare she is habited as a widow, with barbe, cover-chief, plain robe and mantle over. She carries what at first sight appears to be a rosary, but it is evidently intended for a necklace, emblematic of her former position contrasted with her present state of mourning. The quaint barbe with its friUings round the face and under the chin seems to be the progenitor of the modern widow's 54 SEPULCHRAL EFFIGIES IN THE cap. At Horwood she wears the mitred or horned head-dress richly embroidered and ornamented, gown and robe over, around her neck is a double necklace with pendant, and several rings on her fingers. Division IV, a.d. 1420—1550. Knights. — At Ashwater the effigy is a most interesting example, unique in the county as shewing probably the earliest figure clad in the complete transition to plate armour found therein. He wears a salade with the vizor raised, double breast-plate, and taces or skirt of plate below, from which depend single tuilles of large size over the thighs. The sword is belted around the waist and worn in front, and the finger space in the gauntlets is aU in one, with gadlings or steel pro jections over the knuckles. At Broadwood-Widger he wears a robe or cloak over his armour, the salade has the vizor raised, the breast plate is pointed and ribbed, and from the taces are hung three small tuilles. At Bideford the armour is of much later date, the pauldrons and coudieries are ornamented, and the brassarts and vambraces puffed or ribbed. Taces, to which are appended deep lambeaux of overlapping plate, large apron of chain-mail, and broad-toed sabbatons complete his costume, and he is armed with sword and misericorde. The head and hands are bare, and a double chain hangs on the breast. The head of this figure, and that at Ashwater, rests on a tUting helmet, out of which is issuant a small shield, charged with the arms of the recumbent knight. The effigy at Dunster (Somerset) is of early date in this era ; he wears a helmet of bascinet shape, richly ornamented with an orle of roses round it, and in front is a short label with an inscription, but illegible. The armour consists of plate gorget, double breastplate, taces, PARISH CHURCHES OF NORTH DEVON. 55 and two large tuilles. Around the loins is a rich baudric, and a smaUer sword belt depends from the waist. Around his neck is the coUar of S.S. The inscription on the helmet may probably be " 3fi)U iHtTCt." These words occur on a label situate exactly at the same place on the noble effigy of John Beaufort, Duke of Somerset (ob. 1444), in Wimborne Minster. The costume, armour, coUars and ornaments of these fine figures are very similar to those at Dunster, he has the Garter, and they are also sculptured in alabaster. At Salisbury Cathedral, Lord Hungerford appears in a rich suit of puffed or fluted plate armour, large wing-shaped coudieres, and high mail coUar. His hair is poUed, and he wears a rich baudric, and the coUar of S.S. The male effigy at Morchard Bishop is appareled as a country gentleman, in costume of long skirted doublet or jacket, with loose sleeves and large cuffs of fur. Around his waist is a belt from which hangs the anelace, on his head is a cylindrical hat, his legs are covered with loose hose, and broad-toed shoes on his feet.. At Callington, he appears in full plate armour, with coUar and deep skirt of mad, sword, misericorde and spurs. The sabbatons are broad-toed, and the hair curled and brought square across the forehead. He wears the mantle and coUar of the order of the Garter with the George suspended. The Garter is buckled round the left leg, and the badge embroidered on the mantle by the left shoulder. At Ebrington, the judge is clad in long robes and an ermine hood or tippet. Priest. — At Bundleigh robed in alb, chasuble, and with maniple. Women. — The lady at Ashwater wears a large square or horned head dress, loose outer robe, gown and girdle, around her neck is a double necklace and pendant. At Dunster, Somerset, she wears a wide pillow head-dress, cote-hardie, gown, and mantle tied over the breast with cordon and long dependant tassels. At Morchard Bishop she is clad in long gown with close fitting boddice and sleeves, with cuffs. On her head is the pyramidal head-dress, with a cover-chief over. A rich girdle with ornaments encircles her waist. 56 SEPULCHRAL EFFIGIES IN THE In Westminster Abbey, Philippa Mohun, Duchess of York, wears a barbe and cover-chief, a long gown with loose sleeves and fur cuffs, over aU a robe, also fined with fur, probably ermine. Tombs on which they recline.— The cross legged figures and contemporary effigies of females are generaUy on low benches, without ornament below, and beneath flattened obtuse arches, without mouldings. Two of the knights, one at Atherington and the other at Landkey, are on coffin-shaped stones. The lady at Dunster is on a low bench, above her rises an ogee arch with a rich finial. Over the effigy at West Downe there is a finely moulded arch with the baU-flower ornament studding the soffit. At SherwiU, Atherington, Sheviocke, and Dunster, the figures recline on high tombs, below are panels and shields, usuaUy four in number. At Bundleigh the priest is on a high tomb, below are five quatre-foU panels, above is a depressed arch surmounted by five pierced traceried panels and cornice over. At Sheviocke there is a groined canopy over two of the figures, extending across the entire width of the transept. At Broadwood-Widger the knight is on a high tomb, below are six niches with figures holding emblems. At Ashwater there is a cusped canopy, with traceried spandrils, and string course of vine foliage, above, a cornice of quatre-fods. At Bideford there are panels and shields below ; above, an arch with square canopy. This appears to be the only tomb in the division detached from the waUs of the Church. In Westminster Abbey there are panels and shields below, and originally over, there was a rich wooden canopy, divided into three highly ornamented compartments, paneled and crocketted, with pinnacles rising between ; within it was painted blue, powdered with gold stars, and in the centre a representation of the Crucifixion. This has now altogether disappeared, but seems to have remained until about the midde of the last century. As works of art. — The knight at Iddesleigh is a very fine effigy, the contour of the figure well proportioned, and the texture and dis position of his mad hauberk most carefully and accurately shewn. The ladies found at Arlington, Wear Giffard, and Landkey, are most PARISH CHURCHES OF NORTH DEVON. 57 beautiful, the arrangement of the folds of the robe wonderfully graceful and true, shewing the sculptors must have been artists of no common order, and who, notwithstanding they had to contend with the stiff and ugly gorge*> still contrived to preserve a wonderful amount of grace and repose. This is the best era of monumental sculpture, the simplicity of costume gave the utmost freedom as to the arrangement of the draperies, and scarcely anything can surpass the grace and accuracy with which they are represented. Subsequently on the introduction of a stiffer and more elaborate costume, great declension, sameness, and mannerism, is observable, which graduaUy increased up to the time when Pointed Architecture went out. The Illustrations. — The drawings are finished from sketches taken on the spot, and details of costume given carefully as possible. It is feared they are not so artistic as may be, and the only apology to be offered is, that the best has been done under the circumstances. The beautiful early female effigies at Arlington, Wear Giffard, and elsewhere, would require the taste and feeling of a Stothard to give a true idea of their great exceUence. Efflyies destroyed. Courtenay, &c. — In the former paper on the effigies in South Devon, it was stated that an effigy had disappeared, or was not discernible at Paignton when the church was visited. It has been found however that the figure, a memento mori, almost exactly similar to that at Feniton, was hidden away behind the seats, and so escaped notice. It is situate under a low arch in the waU of the north aisle, and may be referred to the latter half of the fifteenth century. In Tavistock church there is an ogee arch, moulded, cusped, and with roses on the bosses at the points, in the wall of the north aisle. The deep recess behind seems intended for the reception of an effigy, but nothing of the kind remains. This also dates about the close of the fifteenth century, and is probably the tomb of an ecclesiastic. During the restoration of South Brent Church a few years since, it was noticed in the columns of a county newspaper, that there was 58 SEPULCHRAL EFFIGIES IN THE discovered, built into the recesses of the sedilia and piscina, some very fine fragments of a life sized recumbent effigy and high tomb, of' the fifteenth century, with the original colours red, green, and gdding on them. Cleveland, quoting from Camden, describes a stately monument in the form of a pyramid on which was engraved an effigy in armour, as having been erected in the Abbey Church of Ford, to the memory of "Robert Lord Courtenay (ob. 1242) who married Mary, youngest daughter of WUliam de Redvers Earl of Devonshire." On it was this inscription:— " Hie jacet ingenui de Oourteney gleba Roberti, Militis egregii virtutum laude referti, Quern genuit strenuus Reginaldus Courteniensis, Qui 'procer eximus fuerat tunc Devoniensis." This was probably a coped tomb with the figure in bas-relief on the cover, sinular to those existing to the early Bishops in Exeter Cathedral, but epitaphs were rarely used at that date, and the rhyming construction of the inscription points, to full two centuries later. ' The arms of Courtenay quartering De Redvers (the most cherished alliance of this noble famUy), the boar and dolphin of Courtenay, and the swan of Bohun. are found among the sculptured armories that adorn Abbot Chard's magnificent facade at Ford, but not only are the monuments of the Courtenays gone, the Abbey Church itself has long since disappeared, and its very site even is at present a matter of conjecture. "We turn to dust, and all our mightiest works Die too : the deep foundations that we lay Time ploughs them up, and not a trace remains. We build with what we deem eternal rock ; A distant age asks where the fabric stood ; And in the dust sifted and searched in vain The undiscoverable secret sleeps." — Cowper. The fine monument erected to Edward Courtenay Earl of Devon (second of that name) and his Countess, in Tiverton Church, was destroyed toward the close of the sixteenth century. Risdon, who compiled his Survey 1605-30, says: "In the churchyard is a Chapel built by the Earls of this county, and appropriated for their burials (now demolished), where there is a tomb, under which Edward Courtenay, Earl of Devonshire, and his Countess were interred, having PARISH CHURCHES OF NORTH DEVON. 59 their effigies in alabaster, sometimes sumptuously gilded, and was about forty years ago to be seen, and which, lamenteth me to write, time hath not so much defaced, as men have mangled that magnificent monument, which had this written thereon, as some have seen : — - " Hoe, hoe, who hies here ? 'Tis / the good Erie of Devonshire, With Kate my wife to me full dere, We lyved togeather fifty-fyve yere. That wee spent, wee had, That wee left, wee loste, That tvee gave, wee have." Dr. Oliver alluding to this epitaph says "that Kate is manifestly wrong and Cleveland's reading of Mabel is equaUy incorrect. There can be little doubt of the effigies being intended for Edward Courtenay, second of that name Earl of Devonshire, and Elizabeth his wife. He did live to the age of 82. The first Earl of that name died at the age of sixty-two only, and was buried with his ancestors in Ford Abbey." There appears to have been great controversy as to whom this " good and blind Earl" married ; Colonel Harding inclines to this view of the the matter — "Edward, the good and blind Earl of Devon, had two wives; first, Eleanor Mortimer, daughter of Roger, Earl of March (an aunt of Richard, Duke of York, who laid just claim to the Crown of England as being a lineal descendant of Lionel Duke of Clarence, third son of Edward III), by whom he had no issue; and secondly to Matilda, daughter of Lord Camois, by whom he had issue Edward, who died during his father's life time, Hugh, his successor, and Elizabeth, wife of John Lord Harrington. This Earl died at the Castle of Tiverton, 5 th November, 1419, leaving a request in his last wiU (dated at Tiverton, 29th June previous), to have his body interred at Ford Abbey; he was, however, laid by the side of his Countess under the Chapel adjoining Tiverton Church. A magnificent tomb was erected to their memory, with their effigies in alabaster finely gilt, and commemorated by a quaint inscription." This Earl Edward Courtenay was son of Sir Edward Courtenay and Emmeline Dawney, whose effigies are in Sheviock Church, and grandson d 60 SEPULCHRAL EFFIGIES IN THE of Hugh Courtenay and Margaret Bohun, whose effigies are in the Cathedral. The singular conclusion to the epitaph of this "good Erie" and his Countess appears to be a reading of a sepulchral inscription in use toward the close of the fifteenth century. "On a slab in St. Peter's Church at St. Albans, beneath the effigy of a priest, is a large rose in brass, and upon this rose a legend is engraved both in Latin and English. The Latin inscription is as foUows : — " Ecce, Quod expencli habui, Quod donavi habeo, Quod negavi punior, Quod servari perdidi." and the English translation when divested of its contractions runs thus : — "Zo, All that ever I spent, that sometime had I, All that 1 have in good intent, that now have I, That I never gave nor lent, that now aby I, That I kept Hill I went, that lost I" The same Latin inscription occurs at Pightlesthorne in Buckinghamshire." (BouteU.) Another version of this quaint inscription is (or was) to be found in the hall of the nianor house of Maperton, near Beaminster, an old mansion now much modernized, bruit by the Morgans, an ancient family originaUy from Morganhayes, Southleigh, Devon, and afterwards settled at Maperton, where they were succeeded by Broadrep, temp. James I., who married one of their last heiresses. " Robert Morgan and Mary his wife built this house, In their oivn life time, at their own charge and cost. What they spent, that they lent, What they gave, that they have, What they left, that they lost." There were formerly in the old parlour and haU, a great number of the arms, impalements, and quarterings of the Morgans, carved on wood or stone, or painted on glass in the windows, but now removed or pamted over. No date but probably built in Queen Elizabeth's reign. (Hutchins) In addition to the before named effigies formerly existing in Tiverton Church, Cleveland speaks of another erected there to the Princess Katharine, PARISH CHURCHES OF NORTH DEVON. 61 wife of William Courtenay Earl of Devon, who died at Greenwich in 1511, and whose remains were brought with much state to old St. Paul's Cathedral, and buried on the south side of the high, altar. She died at Tiverton Castle in 1527, and the funeral obsequies of this royal personage, who describes herself, as " Filia, Soror et Amita Regum," were conducted with great magnificence in Tiverton Church, "To which noble lady, the Marquis of Exeter, her son, caused a chapel to be erected, and within it her tomb with her effigies upon it, by the side of the high altar of that Church." (Cleveland.) It is for a daughter of this noble pair, whose name has not been recovered, that the e&igy and tomb at Colyton was erected. Dinham. Kings-Carswell and Woodbury. — This very antient family, the earliest member of which, Oliver de Dinant or Dinham, according to Pole, " came into this realm out of Brittany, where his castle of Dinant standeth, in assistance of William the Conqueror," have but few memorials in the county. The head of the Crusader in the Museum at Exeter, subsequently noticed, presumably represents his descendant Oliver de Dinham, sum moned as a baron to Parliament by Edward the III, in 1296. Joceline, his son, married Margaret daughter and heir of Sir Richard Hidon of Clay- Hidon, by which aUiance the castle of Hemiock passed to the Dinhams. His son, Sir John, married Joan daughter of Sir Guy de Brian, and it must have been about this time that Sir Thomas Beaumont of Yolston, married Philippa daughter of Sir John Dinham. The Dinhams inherited the manor of Ilsington from the Beaumonts, and the effigy in Ilsington Church is said traditionally to represent one of them. Sir John Dinham, his son, married Muriel, one of the daughters and heirs of Sir Thomas Courtenay (ob. 1357) of South Pool, fourth son of Hugh Earl of Devon and Agnes St. John, by his wife Muriel daughter of John de Mules. About this time a Sir John Dinham, Knight, married Matdda widow of Peter de la Mare, and daughter of John Matravers of Hooke, Dorset (ob. 1386). She died without issue 1410. Elizabeth her younger sister was to have been married to John Lovel when the King d2 62 SEPULCHRAL EFFIGIES IN THE (Richard II.) should think fit, but she afterwards became the wife of Humphry Stafford, son of Sir Humphry Stafford, Knight, who married Elizabeth her mother; her grandson was the unfortunate Humphry Staf ford, Earl of Devon. (Hutchins.) The effigies in Kings-Carswell Church have been assigned to represent On Dinham Tomb. — Kings-Carswell. this Sir John Dinham and Muriel Courtenay his wife. But there is a difficulty of identification, by reason of the arms on the tomb. The knight has the arms of Dinham on his surcoat, and they appear again below, but the impalement is not Courtenay, but fretty. The arms of Matravers of Hooke are, sable, a fret or. There are no arms on the tomb supporting the other female effigy ; but the tomb of the Knight and Lady has been removed from its original position, which was in the transept on the opposite side, where the reredos (originally behind the figures) stiU remains, and it is probable the tomb with the female effigy has been moved also, and it may be, that the effigies themselves were confused in the transit, and now occupy the wrong tombs. The surmise may be hazarded, that these three effigies represent Sir John Dinham and his presumed two wives ; there are, however, great difficrdties in tracing the aUiance between Dinham and Matravers, but which appears to have certainly existed. Their son, Sir John Dinham, married Elizabeth, daughter of John Lord LoveU. Query — was this the John Lovell who was intended to be the husband of Elizabeth Matravers, sister of Matilda, the presumed second wife of Sir John Dinham his father? It is a curious coincidence. On 4th July, 1371, Bishop Brantyngham licensed Sir John Dinham to to have divine service performed in his Chapel at NotewiUe, (Nutwell) Woodbury. In 1387, the same Prelate licensed Sir John Dinham and Elinor his wife to have oratories at Kings-Carswell and Ilsington. They had issue, Sir John Dinham (ob. 1458,) who married Jane daugh- PARISH CHURCHES OF NORTH DEVON. 63 ter and heir of Sir Richard Arches. They had five children, a son and four daughters. Sir John Dinham, the son, was a distinguished seaman in the wars of the Roses ; he was summoned to Parliament by writ as a Baron in 1465, created Baron Dinham by King Henry VII. in 1485, and made Lord High Treasurer. He married Elizabeth, widow of Sir John Ratcliffe, daughter and heir of Lord Fitzwalter, and was of NutweU Woodbury, where many of his ancestors, according to Pole, resided before him, and where also " he bwilded a fayre house and dweUed therein." He had one son Henry, who died without issue. A long account of this nobleman is found in Prince, and he appears to have died in 1502, and was buried in the Grey Friar's Church, Smithfield, London. At the death of Lord Dinham, his large inheritance passed to his four sisters. Of these, Joan, married Lord Zouch ; Katharine, Sir Thomas ArundeU ; and Elizabeth, Fulk Bourehier Lord Fitzwarren, from whom descended the Earls of Bath. She is buried with her husband in Bampton Church, and in the east window of the north aisle, among a lot of old painted glass (now placed together promiscuously, but which well deserves to be properly arranged,) and which, probably, originally occupied the Chancel window, is an impalement displaying the arms of De Arches, in reference to her mother. The other sister married Nicholas Carew of Ottery-Mohun, Baron Carew of MuUesford. He was the son of Sir Thomas Clarew and Joan Carminow of Ashwater, which Sir Thomas was the disinherited son of his mother Joan Courtenay (the daughter of Sir Hugh Courtenay of Haccombe, and Phdippa Arcedeckne,) by her husband Nicholas Carew. Nicholas, Baron Carew, and his wife, Margaret Dinham were buried in the Chapel of St. Nicholas, in Westminster Abbey. " To whose memory," says Prince, " an antient plain tomb of grey marble is there stiU seen erected with an inscription in brass round the ledge, and some coats of arms on the pedestal. The epitaph here foUows : " Orate pro anhmabus Nicholai Baronis quondam de Carew et Domino; Margaritce uxoris ejus fLlice Johannis Domini Dinham, mil it is ; qui quidem Nicholaus obiit sexto die mensis Decembris anno dom. 1470. Et prcedieta Domina Margareta obiit 13 die mensis Decembris, anno 1470." 64 SEPULCHRAL EFFIGIES IN THE A recent inspection of this tomb confirms the above description, except that the inscription and arms are gone, they were remaining in 1733. "At Woodbury" says Dr. Oliver, "in front of the communion rails is an antient gravestone, but the greater part of 'the inscription is worn away. AU that we could satisfactorily recover is : — *'— rt eitjabetf) Cam que cbttt jtru tite gantoarit ao, lint, mecccljtim JJnljte Dinham quarum atbus proptttetur Deu0. 8men." Another and minor descent of Dinham resided at Wortham in Broad wood-Widger by the marriage of Otes or Otho Dinham, with Agnes daughter and heiress of Wdliam Wortham. In the Church is a flat stone to the memory of John Dinham, ob. 1624. They differenced the parent coat, by the addition of a bordure ermine. An early branch of the Dinhams was settled at Cardinham in CornwaU. Lysons says, " Robert de Cardinham or Dinham appears to have acquired the whole of the large estates of Robert FitzwiUiam by marriage with his heiress, temp, Richard I. Isolda, the representative (probably the grand-daughter) of Robert Cardinham, married Thomas de Tracy, who, in the year 1257 was in her right (as we- may suppose) one of the greatest landholders in CornwaU. In 1259 his widow, styling herself Isolda de Cardinham, who had been the widow of Thomas de Tracy, conveyed her large estate in that county to Oliver de Dinham (of Devon)," probably the same Oliver who was buried in Exeter, and the head of whose presumed effigy is in the Museum there. The Rev. W. Jago, in a communication to the Society of Antiquaries, mentions that during the progress of some restorations in Cardinham Church, discoveries have been made of long forgotten recesses, stones, &c. The north wall seems to have contained a Founder's tomb, over the arch of it is a little recess or trefoil headed niche. A curious granite slab, perhaps originally in the tomb recess, has been found. It displays a roughly incised cross, and an attempt at, perhaps, a sword and shield and key (?) upon its surface. Inscriptions occur on the stones in various parts of the budding, and from the disconnected words we can only gather that some kind of foundation was commemorated in the Church of Cardyn- ham, which was dedicated in honour of St. Mewbred the Martyr; and the " pnelibatce ecclesia1," and the "day St. Faith," "Anno Domini 1200," are PARISH CHURCHES OF NORTH DEVON. 65 speciaUy mentioned, as weU as some "vestiarian" arrangement. In the Churchyard two massive granite crosses have been erected, both found among the stones of the Chancel walls. One of them is adorned with mat- work or Saxon knot devices, and on the upper part of the shaft is a panel containing two crosses. Bonville. Shute, Stockland, and Powderham. — To this- noble and most influential Devonshire family, no distinct antient memorial exists, either by effigy or tomb, to attest their olden importance, only shields on the capitals of piUars at Stockland and Powderham Churches charged with Courtenay impaling Bonville, six mullets pierced, 3, 2, L The original seat of the BonviUes was at Wiscombe, Southleigh, East Devon. In 1255, Nicholas de BonvUle gave a rent charge to the Abbey of Newenham, arising out of lands at KUmington and Dalwood, called Tuddesheye (Studhayes), for a monk of the house to say a dady mass for the souls of himself and his wife Amicia, his ancestors and descend ants for ever. He died at Wiscombe in 1266, and was buried before the high altar at Newenham. His grandson, Nicholas, married Matdda daughter and co-heir of Sir Thomas Pyne of Shute, to which place the BonviUes removed, and were afterwards styled. His grandson was Sir WiUiam BonviUe of Shute, Sheriff of Devon in 1390. He married first, Margaret, daughter of Sir WiUiam Damarell of Woodbury. " A wealthy and munificent man," remarks Mr. Davidson, "who died in 1407. By his wiU, among many simdar gifts, he bestowed forty pounds on the Abbey of Newenham, and directed that his body should be buried in the choir of the Abbey Church, and two priests sing masses for the repose of his soul, his father, mother, and other his re lations for twenty years." This will, • which is a remarkable document iUustrative of the habits and tone of thought prevalent at the period, contains a large number of religious and charitable bequests, and accord ing to Dr. Oliver, " was made on Saturday before the Feast of the Assumption, a.d. 1407, and proved before Bishop Stafford, 24th March 1408." He, Sir William, was buried in the centre of the choir at Newenham, immediately before the great cross, and beside him was laid 66 SEPULCHRAL EFFIGIES IN THE Alice, his second wife. He was the founder of the Alms Houses in Exeter, that bear his name, by bequest in his wiU. "Thus fragrant memory doth outlast the tomb, Embalmed for ever in its own perfume." — Cqwper. John BonviUe, his son, married Elizabeth daughter of Alan Fitz- Henry, Lord of Chewton (Chewton-Mendip, near Wells, Somersetshire) and left two sons, WUliam and Thomas. In the south aisle of the Chancel of Chewton-Mendip Church is a high tomb on which are two effigies, traditionally said to represent the above John BonviUe, his wife, or their unfortunate son, Lord William Bonvdle and his lady. The knight is in plate and chain armour, with bascinet, mad -gorget, surcoat, baudric and spurs. The lady is clothed in a long robe, wimple and cover-chief. The costume and armour is, however, of much too early date to represent those to whom they are assigned, being cotemporary with Division III, and in addition to this, three lions rampant are em blazoned on the knight's surcoat, instead of the six mullets of Bonville. A smaU shield is placed on the gorget of the knight just below the chin, charged with a plain cross. Pole gives the arms of Fitz-Henry of Exon as argent, a cross engrailed sable. This, seemingly escutcheon of pretence, may represent the wife's arms, but the knight is evidently not a BonviUe. WUliam, the eldest son of John Bonvdle, was the most prominent member of this unfortunate race. He was summoned to Parliament as Baron BonviUe and Chewton in 1449, and created Knight of the Garter. He appears to have had one son, and a daughter Margaret, who was married to Sir WUliam Courtenay of Powderham, eldest son of Sir Philip, by EUzabeth his wife, daughter of Walter Lord Hungerford. The shields in Stockland and Powderham Churches relate to the alliance of WUUam Courtenay with Margaret Bonvdle, as the label of Courtenay is charged with the nine plates (or annulets), as a distinctive difference of descent from the fifth son. It is probable the aisles both at Powderham and Stockland were erected about the same time, and perpetuates the joint claims these structures had on the possessions of their noble owners, lying near them. "In conjunction with his wife" says Col. Harding, "he (Sir WiUiam Courtenay) commenced the new aisle with PARISH CHURCHES OF NORTH DEVON. 67 the body of the Church at Powderham, which was completed by his widow. This is shewn by her wdl made in July 1487, wherem "she Powderham Church, A.D. 1485. Stockland Church, desires to be buried nigh her late husbande" (ob. 1485) in Powderham Church, " for my husbande and I made there the new ile, and also the body of the Church at oure owen coste and charge, except that I had of the parrishe to the help of the said budding viiid" The piUars at Powderham exhibit the arms of Courtenay with the label and annulets, supported alternately by the dolphin and boar, Courtenay impaling BonviUe supported by the swan of Bohun, and Courtenay impaling Hungerford. Powderham Church, A.D. 1485. Stockland had its claim on the BonviUe side of this alliance; the parapet although of much plainer character, being similar to that at Axminster, on which is found the badges of her great-niece Cicely BonviUe, Marchioness of Dorset, who doubtless contributed towards its erection. Thomas Bon viUe, younger brother of Lord WUliam, held the manor of Dalwood, 6th Edward IV, 1467. — (Hutchins.) He was Sheriff of Devon in 1445, and was succeeded by his son John, who dying without issue, the property e 68 SEPULCHRAL EFFIGIES IN THE reverted to the heirs of his uncle Lord WiUiam BonvUle. This probably constitutes the relationship between Courtenay-BonviUe and Stockland, Dalwood being a dependant chapelry of Stockland. This iUfated man, who, according to Prince, " notwithstanding the honour and personal obligations he had received from King Henry the VI, was always found on the side of his enemy the Duke of York," had the misfortune to lose his son WUliam (who married Elizabeth, (ob. 1471,) only child and heiress of Wdliam, fifth Lord Harrington, ob. 1457), and grandson of the same name (who married Catherine (ob. 1504), daughter of Richard NevUle, Earl of Salisbury) at the battle of Wakefield, 24th December, 1460, both being slain in that sanguinary encounter, and of their deaths he appears to have been an eye witness. His own fate soon foUowed. At the second battle of St. Albans, 18 February 1461, "Lord BonviUe," says Hume, "to whose care the king (Henry VI) had been entrusted by the Yorkists, remained with him after the defeat, on assurances of pardon given him by Henry, but Margaret, regardless of her husband's promise, immediately ordered the head of that nobleman to be struck off by the executioner." The ultimate heiress of this unfortunate famdy was Cicely BonvUle, only daughter of the last and youngest WUUam BonvUle (Lord Harrington in right of his mother), by his wife Catherine NevUle. She was a great heiress, and Baroness Bonville and Harrington in her own right. Probably in remembrance of her great grandfather's fidelity to his cause, and partly also to serve his own personal motives, the King Edward IV, appears to have "purveyed" a suitable alhance for her, in the person of his stepson, Thomas Grey (son of his Queen, Elizabeth Wood-ville, by her first husband, Sir John Grey of Groby), to whom she was married in 1475, the King having previously created him Earl of Huntingdon and Marquis of Dorset. The Marquis died in 1501 (1495, Pole) "and be queathed his body to be buried in his College of Astley, Warwickshire, before the image of the Blessed Virgin in the midst of his closet. They had issue seven sons, eight daughters" (Dugdale). Of this large famdy, Thomas Grey, Marquis of Dorset, her eldest son, died 1531. Of her daughters, Mary married Walter Devereux Viscount Hereford ; Elizabeth, Sir John Arundel of Lanherne, whose effigy is in Chideock Church; PARISH CHURCHES OF NORTH DEVON. 69 Dorothy, Robert Lord WiUoughby de Broke, son of Robert Lord WiUoughby de Broke, whose effigy is in Callington Church. Her grand son, Henry Grey (who married Frances, daughter of Charles Brandon Duke of Suffolk, by his wife Mary, Dowager Queen of France, and sister of Henry VIII), was raised to that dignity in 1551, and beheaded by Queen Mary in 1554, together with his daughter, Lady Jane Grey. Cicely Bonville, Marchioness of Dorset, married secondly, Henry Stafford (second son of Henry Stafford Duke of Buckinghamshire), created Earl of WUtshire, and K.G., whom she also survived; he died 1523. " The waUs of many Churches," says Mr. Davidson, " in the neighbour hood of this lady's extensive possessions testify by the arms and devices of her famUy and connections, that she employed a part of her immense wealth by assisting in their erection. She died in 1530, having borne at once the titles of Marchioness of Dorset, Countess of WUtshire (and Huntingdon), Lady Ferrars of Groby, Bonville, Harrington, Astley and Stafford." The most noteworthy of these buildings, toward which this lady was a Hberal benefactor, is the beautiful Chapel with its fan-traceried vaulting, attached to the Church of Ottery S. Mary. Studding the cornice out side are the Harrington and Stafford knots, and over the entrance door way are the denuded remains of what was evidently the armorial achievement of this lady. There is a shield, but the bearings are quite undecipherable, the supporters appear to be a lion on the dexter side, and on the sinister an antelope or goat. Above the shield is a helmet and remains of a crest. At the top, and in the base of the panel, is the Stafford knot, of large size, and around, this device is repeated, inter changeably with the mullet of BonvUle. At the base of the pillars that support this sculpture are shields with the merchants' mark of the wooUen trade of the district on them, and on another shield in the cornice is the merchant's mark and initial of Thomas Goodwyn of Plymtree. The rebus of Bishop Oldham (an owl with a label in its beak on which is inscribed the last syllable of the prelate's name) during whose episcopate and that of his successor, Bishop Veysey, the Chapel was probably erected, a.jd. 1507-23, is attached to one of the capitals of the arcade. The Harrington and Stafford knots are found on the richly sculptured 70 SEPULCHRAL EFFIGIES IN THE parapet at Axminster, and also on the capitals of the pillars inside; but here the Stafford knot is surmounted by a crescent for difference, in Dorset Chapel, Ottery St. Mary. Parapet, Axminster Church. aUusion to her second husband Henry Stafford, who was the second son of Henry Stafford, Duke of Buckingham. It also occurs, similarly differenced among the shields iUustrative of the descent of Walrond of Bovey, formerly in Seaton Church, probably in compliment to her as the owner of Wiscombe, Southleigh, a domain adjoining Bovey. At Ottery St. Mary the Marchioness held Knightstone, which descended to BonvUle from Bittlesgate. Thomas Bittlesgate, in 1381, obtained Ucense from Bishop Brantyngham to have " oratoria sive Capellas infra maneria suo de Kynge- ston infra parochiam de Otry Sancte Marie, et de Sparkheye infra paro- chiam de Coleton (Colyton) situat." After the attainder of Henry, Duke of Suffolk, it was purchased of the Crown by Mr. William Sherman, a merchant | of Ottery, who died in 1583. His effigies, in brass, together with that of his father John, and Richard his son, by a second marriage with Joan, a daughter of John Mallett, of Axminster, stiU remain in Ottery church, at the entrance to the chapel of St. Stephen, which it is said belonged to the estate. The chimney of the hall at Knightstone bears date 1567, when the house was erected by Gideon Sherman (Cornish). Cicely Bonville probably died about the year 1530. On 15 March, 1526, Nicholas Mainwaring was admitted to the family living of Lympstone, on the presentation of Sir Ralph Eggerton, knt., hac rice, — " by grant of that devout woman, CecUia Marchioness of Dorset, Lady de BonevUle and Harington." The next incumbent was collated by Bp. Veysey in 1535, per lapsum temporis (Oliver). Where the Marchioness was buried does not seem to be known, but the probability is, that she was interred with her first husband at Astley in Warwickshire. PARISH CHURCHES OF NORTH DEVON. 71 By her alliance with Thomas Grey, she was nearly related to the Princess Katharine, (half-sister to her husband), wife of William Courtenay, Earl of Devon, and seventh daughter of King Edward IV, and these noble ladies and their husbands were close neighbours, living occasionally within a nule's distance of each other, at Colcombe and Shute. From Colcombe the Countess Katharine buried one of her chUdren, whose effigy is in Colyton Church, and King Henry VII. is conjectured to have visited the half-brother of his Queen at his mansion of Shute in November 1497, coming over from Newenham Abbey, where he stayed nearly a week on his return from Exeter, whither he had gone to queU the rebellion of Perkin Warbeck. At Tiverton Church the tomb and chapel of the Princess-Countess has long disappeared, but her royal escutcheon occupies the place of honour over the porch of Merchant Greenway's splendid foundation. At Ottery, the noble achievement of the Marchioness is associated with the merchant's mark. Each case shews, with great probability, that the aristocracy both of the soU and of commerce, were alike interested, and helped forward the good work. Frances Duchess of Suffolk (ob. 1563), wife of Henry Grey, (grandson of Cicely BonvUle, who was created Duke of Suffolk and beheaded in 1554,) is buried in St. Edmund's Chapel, Westminster Abbey, where, on a high tomb of the same costly material, is her effigy in alabaster, clad in the rich costume of the period, and with a Uon at her feet ; on one side is this inscription: — "Here lieth the Laclie Frances, Dvches of Sovthfolke, dovghter to Charles Brandon Duke of Sovthfolke, and Marie the Frenehe Qvene, first wife to Henrie, Duke of Sovthfolke and after to Adrian Stock, Esqvier ;" on the other side is the following, with which this notice of BonvUle and Grey may appropriately conclude. " In clarias. Dom. Franciscce Suffolcia} quondam Ducessce epAcedion. Nil decus aut splendor, nil regia nomina prosunt Splendida divitiis, nil juvat ampla dornus. Omnia fluxerunt, virtutis sola remansit Gloria, Tartareis non abolenda rogis. Nu/pta Duci prius est, uxor post Armigeri Stokes, Funere nunc valeas consociata Deo" 72 SEPULCHRAL EFFIGIES IN THE ^S»-N. Tomb in Chancel of Luppit Church — circa 1325. Cabew.— No imposed stone effigy exists presumably to this antient famdy in Devonshire previous to 1550. The vacant sepulchral arch in the chancel of Luppit Church probably contained the effigy of Sir John Carew, who married EUnor, daughter of Sir William Mohun, of Ottery- Mohun in that parish. He died 13th Edward II.— 1320 (Pole). At Haccombe, however, there — ._- is a very fine brass of Nicholas Carew, who was the son of Sir Nicholas Carew, of Mohuns- Ottery, Baron of MuUesford, and Joan, daughter of Sir Hugh Courtenay, of Hac combe and PhUippa le Arce- deckne, whose effigies are in the same Church. He was one of the preferred younger sons of his mother, for an account of which see the notice of Ashwater. His elder brother, Sir Thomas Carew, married Joan Carminow. The figure is remarkable as Ulustrating the extravagant martial panoply sometimes affected by knights of that era (Division IV). A large salade with the vizor raised, complete armour, moton, enormous wing-shaped elbow pieces, misericorde, and long sword buckled in front, comprise his equipment. At each corner of the stone is a shield charged with the arms of Carew, and on a panel below the figure this inscription : — "3rmtger msicjnts jacet btc Carero Ji3tcl)olaus Pruaens egtegtus ae sttrpe nob ile natus Vitmn g>eptembtt£i presente clattstt eunna 3b tsto mensis ate oectma tercta mntio ©trtuartit nana regnt quartt iRegts anno iQecnon mtllestmo cere que pleno Cu sepgena nana ant met nata €8b mafcs fair 68 Brass of Thomas Carew, Haccombe Church, A.D. 1586. armour, with helmet on, and the vizor raised, and he holds his sword in front with his left hand. The arms of Carew are at the corners of the stone, and this inscription at his feet. "^)tc jacet corpus Chamae Caretoe, armtgert qui abut 28 ate JHarttt a« fcnu 1586. &'tatts stue 68." An adjoining stone with the effigies of his wife in an Elizabethan dress, a daughter of WUliam Hody of Pillesdon, Dorset, is thus inscribed : — "^tc jacet jfflarta CareVo urar Cijamae Careto oe ^accambe arm. et filta aBtlltam i^uape ae cam. £>arset : arm. <©u# abut 19 ate jiMl 9UD. 1588." On another stone is the figure of Elizabeth, wife of John Carew, their PARISH CHURCHES OF NORTH DEVON. 75 son, she is in the costume of the period, with ruff and hands raised in prayer, above are the arms of Carew impaling HU1. '¦'¦Here lyeth Elizabeth Carewe, the wife of John Carewe of Haccombe, Esq., and daughter of Robert Hill of Shilsto. Esq., who died Ascetio. day Ao. Dni. 1611." The effigies of Thomas Carew (son of John) his wife Anne Clifford, with their six chUdren are on another brass. He is in half armour with long boots and spurs ; below is the inscription : " Here lieth the bodies of Thomas Carew, Esquire, and Anne his wife who desesed the 6th and 8th day of December. Ano. Domini 1656." " Two bodies ly beneath this stone Whom love and marriage long made one One sovle conjoynd them by a force Above the power of death's divorce. One flame of love their lives did bvme Even to ashes in their vrne They dy but not depart, who meet In wedding and in winding sheet Whom God hath knit so firme in one Admit no separacion Therefore into one marble trust Wee leave thevr now vnited dvst As root in earth embrace- to rise Most lovely flowers in Paradise." Above are the arms of Carew impaling, checquy, a fess, with crescent for difference (Clifford.) At Beddington in Surrey is another branch of the Carews descending from Nicholas Carew, a brother of Sir John Carew who married Elinor Mohun, and settled at Ottery-Mohun. He appears to have been a man of some note, was keeper of the Privy Seal to king Edward III., and one of that monarch's executors. " In the chancel of Beddington Church," says Lysons, " are several brass figures of the Carew famdy on flat stones, the inscriptions mostly gone. The tomb of Nicholas Carew (son to the Lord Keeper of the Privy Seal) and IsabeUa bis wife are quite perfect. He died in 1432. The woman's / 76 SEPULCHRAL EFFIGIES IN THE o * ~M maoa a mfeitman ao- »nr «trot b ¦i- I * » m aiu) snroiil i> aawtr Nicholas and Isabel Carew, Beddington Church. Surrey, A.D. 1432. arms are those of De la Mar. His wife IsabeUa died many years before him, and he afterwards married Mercia, daughter of Ste phen Heyme. At the south-east corner of the chancel is a smaU aisle erected for the sepulture of the Carew family. Sir Bichard Carew was the first interred there. Under a flat arch is an altar tomb, on the top of which are several smaU brass plates repre senting Sir Bichard and his lady. He is in armour with the arms of Carew on the surcoat (or tabard). He died in 1520. He was made a Knight Banneret at Blackheath by Henry VII., who also appointed him Lieutenant of Calais." The effigy of Nicholas Carew (ob. 1432) is clad in a plain long gown and girdle, the hair is poUed, and his feet rest on a dog. His lady wears a horned head-dress and long robe simdar to her husband. At her feet is a little dog with bells on its coUar. The costume of these figures is almost identical with that worn by Sir Thomas and Lady Joan Brook in Thorn- combe Church, Dorset. Over the effigies is a fine canopy, and this inscription on the ledger line :- " En gracta et mtsertcartua aet btc jacent corpora I5tci)0lai Careto armtgert et namtnt quanaam frujus utile Esabelle urorts sue PARISH CHURCHES OF NORTH DEVON. 77 et Cijame filtt eorunbum qui qutoem Jfttcholas sener et plenus bterttm tn pace qtttetut quarto ate mensts ^eptembris anna oamtnt mccccrrrtt." The peaceful habiliments and the tenour of the epitaph, "senex et plenus dienun in pace quievit," of this Nicholas Carew, of Beddington, afford a strong contrast to the warlike array of his kinsman, and almost con temporary Nicholas Carew of Haccombe, " armiger insignis." A pleasant feature connected with this good Nicholas Carew is the simple memorial placed to the memory of his faithful servant Margaret OUver, in the pavement of the Carew Chapel, adjoining. She preceded her master to the grave some eight years, dying in 1425. It is a brass cross, fleune-de-lys, (rather more than two feet long) on a stalk with pedestal. Below is this inscription : — "^tc jacet jHargart'ta ©liber qutOitt serbtes ifttcbalao Careu, et jWercpe esorte sue que abut rrr ate Jtflarctt ano Out mccccrrb; cut ate pptctet be." A recent visit to Beddington shews the fine brass of Nicholas Carew in a very perfect state. The tomb of his descendant, Sir Bichard Carew, is in their chantry on the south side of the Chancel. It is ornamented with traceried panels under, and a canopy over, enriched with vine foliage and crested with the Tudor flower. The figures inlaid on the table are small. Sir Bichard is bare headed, but otherwise in complete armour, with sword and misericorde. Over the armour he wears a tabard, on which is emblazoned the arms of Carew, impaling, — quarterly of four, sable and or. The lady wears a pyramidal head-dress, a necklace and chains around her neck and rich girdle. Over her gown she wears a mantle, on which her arms are embroidered ; they are interesting examples of the costume of the period. On the verge of the table is this inscription : — " ©f pour cbarptpe prape for the soules of g>r Etcbarbe Careto fimtgbt, ana Dame jHalpn, bps wife, robteb g>fr Etcbarae 0e= cesspa tbe rrfb bape of Jftap anno ant mto, ana tbe sata Dame jHalpn Opea pe — bap of — m.b. on robots soules fesu babe mercp." r 78 SEPULCHRAL EFFIGIES IN THE Sir Richard married Malyn (or Magdalen) daughter of Sir Robert Oxenbridge. Over the tomb are three shields. 1. Carew, impaling quarterly of four, sable and or. ( — V) 2. The above coat, impahng, — Gules, within bordure azure escalope, a lion rampant argent (Oxenbridge.) 3. Oxenbridge alone. Sir Nicholas Carew, son of Sir Richard, was for some time a great favourite at the court of king Henry VIII. , who made him Gentleman of the Privy Chamber, Master of the Horse, and Knight of the Garter. His good fortune was not of long continuance, for in the year 1539, he was charged with being engaged in a conspiracy (the object of which was to place Cardinal Pole upon the throne) with Henry Courtenay, Marquis of Exeter, Lord Montacute and Sir Edward NevUle, and after a summary. trial they were aU executed on Tower hid, the three former on 9th January, and Sir Nicholas on 3rd March, 1539. The venerable Countess of Safisbury was beheaded sometime afterward, upon a charge of being privy to this conspiracy. He was buried in the Church of St. Botolph, Aldgate, in the same tomb with Thomas Lord D'Arcy and others of his famUy. A smaU monument to their memory, supported by Corinthian columns, was preserved when the Church was rebudt, and is placed against the west wall of the porch (Lysons.) Cleveland gives the foUow- ing inscription : — "Here lyeth Thomas Lord Darcy of the north, Sir Nicholas Carew Knight of the Garter, Lady Elizabeth Carew, daughter to Sir Francis Brian, and Sir Arthur Darcy, younger son of the said Lord Darcy and Lady Mary, his dear wife, Daughter to Sir Nicholas Carew, who had 10 sons and five daughters." Associated with Sir Nicholas Carew at this abandoned and bloody court was Sir Henry Guyldeford, K.G., and an account of the sumptuous robes provided for them from the " great wardrobe " is given in Anstis's Register of the Garter. Mary, the daughter of Sir Robert Wotton, wife first to this Sir Henry Guyldeford, and afterward of Sir Gawen Carew, of Woode, Knt., Kentisbeare (youngest son of Sir Edmond Carew, Knt., of Ottery- Mohun, Luppit), is buried in Why ting's aisle in Kentisbeare Church PARISH CHURCHES OF NORTH DEVON 79 (ob. 1558), where there is a high tomb and this curious inscription on a brass to her memory : — " pm Ipetb burpeb tbe Habp jflarp <£>uplbforb, baugbter of gar Eabert Cotton of ikent, fenpgbt of tbe barter, ana Controler of I£>otosebaia to tbe most nobull ana migbtp Prince £>enrp but, fepng of Cnglanb, JTrance anb IrelanO, DefenOer of tbe feptb, anb tmmebiatelp bicar ttnber (Sob of tbe Cbunbes of CnglanO ana ErelanO, supreme \ittit, anb one of bis most bonerable prebp Counsell, anb late tbe omptTe of g>tr ®atoen Carem, fenigbt, tobo enbpb tbps Ipfle tbe ruj bap of September, ano mccccclbiij." Adjoining the tomb of Sir Richard Carew in Beddington Church is another with the effigy of Sir Francis Carew, (ob. 1611,) who recovered possession of the estate from Queen Mary. An inscription over his head mentions the circumstance of his adopting Nicholas son of Sir Nicholas Throckmorton, his brother-in-law, to bear his surname and to inherit his estate. Sir Walter Raleigh married a sister of this Sir Nicholas Throckmorton, alias Carew, and after her unfortunate husband lost his life on the scaffold she wrote the foUowing affecting letter to her brother, requesting permission to bury his body among the ancestors of her famdy at Beddington : — " To my best (brother) Sur Nickolas Carew, at Beddington : — " I desiar, good brother, that you wiU be plessed to let me berri the worthi " bodi of my nobeU hosban Sur Walter Ralegh in your Chorche at Beddington, " wher I desiar to be berred. The lordes have given me his ded boddi, though " they denied me his life. This nit he shaU be brought you with two or three " of my men : let me her presently. E. R. God hold me in my wites." (No date). It is scarcely to be supposed that such a request could have been refused ; but what ever was the reason, it appears certain that Sir' Walter Ralegh's body was buried, not at Beddington, but in the Church of St. Margaret, Westminster, and that his head was carried by his son to West Horsley in Surrey, and there interred. (Lysons.) Courtenay, Tiverton.— -In Tiverton Church, the arch dividing the chancel from the nave is paneled, and high up about the usual position 80 SEPULCHRAL EFFIGIES IN THE of the capital, on each side, there is boldly sculptured a representation of an eagle on a bundle of sticks, flanked on either side by the boars of Courtenay, and below supported by angels is the shield of Courtenay, encircled by the Garter. Chancel Arch, Tiverton Church. Over the south porch is a shield, baron, — quarterly of four, ] and 4, Courtenay, 2 and 3 De Bedvers ; —impaling femme, quarterly, 1. France and England quarterly; 2 and 3, a plain cross, Ulster. 4. Mortimer. Crest, an eagle on a bundle of sticks. Supporters, dexter, a man in armour treading on a dragon, probably intended for St. George ; sinister, a female in a long robe. Just over the crest on each side is the double rose, and in the string-course above is the rose en soleil and eagle on the sticks, alternating with John Greenway's monogram and mark. On the porch of Greenway's Almshouses, on one side are the arms of England and France, quarterly, within the Garter, and on the other Courtenay and De Redvers, quarterly, also within the Garter. Above is the eagle on the bundle of sticks. The shield on the porch is doubtless that of Katharine Courtenay, daughter of Edward the IV, and wife of WUliam Courtenay, Earl of Devon, as it clearly accords with her seal, except the supporters which are here probably emblematic. The rose en soleil, her father's badge, is in the cornice, and the double rose, sculptured of conspicuous size, is close to the crest (aUusive to Henry the VII, who married her sister). The Princess was a widow at the time Green way was budding his Chapel in 1517 (the Earl having died in 1511), and was Uving in her Castle of Tiverton close by, and doubtless took great interest in the work of her neighbour the merchant. She died, and was buried in her own Chapel there in 1527; PARISH CHURCHES OF NORTH DEVON. 81 Greenway foUowing her to the tomb in his, two years afterward. Strange mutation of human circumstances, the mausoleum of the Princess has been utterly razed and destroyed, the tasteful burial place of the merchant still remains, though greatly shorn of its antient splendour; and it is upon his tomb, as it were, we look for the only certain memorial remaining of the King's daughter. The device of the Eagle on the bundle of sticks is a great puzzle. It is found in four places, on the facade at Ford Abbey, Tiverton Church, Greenway's Almshouses, and, though considerably denuded, on a window corbel at Colcombe Castle. It does not appear untd the first quarter of the sixteenth century, and then on buUdings erected just about that time, which the Courtenay's either held or were interested in. The prominent position, place of honour almost, it assumes over the escutcheon of the Princess Katharine at Tiverton Church, seems to point to it almost conclusively as peculiarly belonging to that royal lady and her husband. The unravelment of its meaning seems destined to be left to conjecu- ture only. Probably it may have been allusive to the descent of the Princess on her mother's side, Queen Elizabeth. She was the daughter of Sir Richard WoodviUe, of Grafton, Northamptonshire, by Jacqueline of Luxembourg, Duchess of Bedford, and widow of Sir John Grey, of Groby. Jacqueline, or Jaquetta, of Luxembourg, was daughter of Peter of Luxembourg, Count de St. Pol, and widow of John of Lancaster, third son of King Henry IV., created Duke of Bedford, Anjou, and Alenzon, Earl of Mayenne, Richmond, and Kendal, Regent of France, and Constable of England, by his nephew Henry VI. The Regent married her when very young, but died 1414, leaving no issue by her. After his death she married Sir Richard WoodviUe, subsequently created Earl Rivers. Is the eagle significant of France, aUusive to the Duchess her grandmother, and the bundle of sticks or wood, of WoodviUe f Rebuses or devices of simdar construction were often employed at that era. Or it may have had reference to the restoration of the titles and estates to Edward Courtenay, Earl of Devon (by Henry VII.) father of Earl William, — the Eagle volant, emblematic of the rising fortune atten dant on this noble, but shattered and blood-torn family ; the tied bundle of sticks, suggestive of strength through interests united, both in his Royal 82 SEPULCHRAL EFFIGIES IN THE patron Henry VII., and also in his own person, he having married a daughter of the house of Molland. Relative to the marks of cadency adopted by the Courtenays, Hugh Courtenay, Earl of Devon, first of that name (ob. 1340) appears originaUy to have assumed the label with the three points azure. Hugh de Seal of Hugh de Courtenay, Junior, A.D. 1340. Courtenay, his son, who married Margaret Bohun also observed it, as is apparent on the jupon of his effigy in the Cathedral, and on his heraldic seal appended to a deed (relative to the transfer of some burgages in the borough of Colyford) in the possession of the Chamber of Feoffees of Colyton. This deed is dated from Colcombe, where he then resided in 1340, and around the shield are placed the mullets of his mother Agnes, sister of John, Lord St. John of Basing. Of the many sons of this noble man, Edward Courtenay his third son, who married Emmeline, daughter of Sir John Dauney of Sheviocke (ob. 1419) added to the parent coat, a bend argent (Cleveland). WiUiam, fourth son, Archbishop of Canterbury, added gold mitres to the azure label (BouteU). PhUip of Powderham, fifth son, bore nine plates (Cleveland) on the azure label, probably intended for annulets, the proper distinction. This difference is observable on the shields at Stockland and Powderham, of his descendant Sir William Courtenay in alliance with BonvUle, and on the chhnney-piece erected by his brother Bishop Peter Courtenay in the Palace. Sir Peter Courtenay, K.G., seventh son (ob. 1409) according to Cleveland bore the label blue, thereon nine annulets, probably a mistake for roses, the proper distinction for the seventh son, but it cannot be traced on his brass. Sir Hugh Courtenay, of Haccombe, second son of Sir Edward of Sheviocke, bore PARISH CHURCHES OF NORTH DEVON. 83 ermines on the label (Cleveland). Hugh, his son, who married Margaret Carnimow, bore the label, but the colours are too much denuded by time on the tomb at Ashwater to be positively made out, but the label appears to have been azure. Edward Courtenay, son of Hugh and Margaret Carminow, restored to the earldom, and created K.G. by King Henry VII in 1486, resumed the azure label (Cleveland). Concerning the modern distinctions of anntdets, roses, &c, it should be borne in mind, that these were not foUowed in antient cadency, but the distinctive differences were often made by the alteration of the colours in the parent coat, the addition of a bordure, or other ordinary occasionaUy, or by some signifi cant addition placed on the label, or on the field. Belative to nine annulets or plates, borne by the Powderham branch for the fifth son, it may be observed that Edward, Duke of York, bore nine roundles (torteaux) on his sdver label, he was the fifth son; on the azure label of Courtenay they would be silver. The numerous badges displayed by this antient family is also a subject of much interest. The swan of Bohun appears at the feet of the Countess in the Cathedral, on the piUars at Powderham, the chimney-piece in the Palace, and the facade at Ford Abbey. The sickle of Hungerford and the garb of PevereU on the Bishop's Q On Bishop Courtenay's Chimney Piece. The Palace, Exeter. chimney-piece and the tomb at Plympton. The eagle volant on the bundle of sticks, at Ford Abbey, Tiverton Church, and Colcombe, aUusive perhaps to restored fortune, and consohdation of family relationship. The tau-cross and bell, peculiar to Bishop Peter Courtenay, on his chimney-piece. The boar occurs on the Chancel arch at Tiverton, Ford Abbey, Powderham, 9 84 SEPULCHRAL EFFIGIES IN THE ShUlingford, and the Bishop's chimney-piece, borne contemporaneously by both branches of the family. It is difficult to account for its adoption. Sir WUliam Huddesfield of ShUlingford, who married Catherine, daughter of Sir William Courtenay of Powderham and Margaret BonvUle, exhibits three boars on his coat armour, but this cause would be too remote, and this badge is displayed at an earlier date, in connection with his wife's father's arms, at Powderham. The dolphin is found at Ford Abbey, at On Facade. Ford Abbey. Powderham, and on the Bishop's chimney-piece, in conjunction with the boar, and is also assumed by both branches of the famdy. This badge may have been adopted in commemoration of the descent of the elder branch at Tiverton, from the heiress of Carminow, whose crest was a dolphin naiant. The eagle on the bundle of sticks is exhibited by the Tiverton branch only, and it occupies the place of honour, as the crest, over the grand escutcheon, presumably of the Princess-Countess Katharine Courtenay on the porch at Tiverton Church, again in conjunction with her arms on Greenwayes almshouses, and over their shield on the frieze of Speke's Chapel in the Cathedral. Courtenay Tomb, Colyton. Courtenay Tomb, Plympton. BorjKOHiER, Earl of Bxth.-B tmpton and B raunton.- Affixed to the north and south walls of the Chancel of Bampton Church are, evidently, the sides and ends of two or more high tombs, composed of grey marble. PARISH CHURCHES OF NORTH DEVON. 85 They are ornamented with elaborate traceried panels, having in their centres shields, but the brasses are gone. Between the panels are niches, below is a string course of quatrefods, and above, under the cornice, a course of quatrefoils bearing in the centre lozenges, on which are sculptured the water-bouget and the Bourehier knot. There is also a shield with the sacred monogram, and on another of smaUer size a C. Dr. OUver, referring to these desecrated tombs, says, " How such elaborate work came to be placed there not a little perplexed me, but the Venerable Bartholomew Davey, the Vicar, resolved my perplexity by informing me that it belonged to two monuments of considerable antiquity which stood in the Chancel, and that on their removal about forty years ago, the sides were placed to line the walls. That they covered the remains of Sir John Bourehier, Knt., Lord Fitz- Warren, created Earl of Bath, 9th July, 1536, and of his father, is certain. The wiU of the former bearing date 20th October, 1535, and proved 11th June, 1541, expressly directs his body to be buried in the parish Church of Bampton, Devon, in the Church there where his father lies buried, with his picture, arms, and cognizance, and the day and year engraven and fixed on the same tomb within a year after his decease. One of the skeletons was described to me, as being of gigantic proportions." On Bowrchier Tombs, Bampton Church. The cognizances of Bourehier are also found on the screen, and on the bosses of the roof of the north aisle. The former of these two noblemen sepulchred here was Fulk Bourehier, Lord Fitz- Warren. He was the son of WUliam Bourehier and Thomazine Hankford, and grandson of WUliam Bourehier, Earl of Ewe, by his wife Anne Plantagenet, daughter of Thomas of Woodstock, Duke of Gloucester. ST 86 SEPULCHRAL EFFIGIES IN THE He married Elizabeth, one of the sisters and heirs of John Lord Dinham, and died 6th Henry VII (1491). The other, his son John Bourehier, Lord Fitzwarren, was created Earl of Bath by King Henry VIII, at Whitehall, 10th July, 1537, and married Cicely, only sister of Henry Daubeny, Earl of Bridgewater. He left issue, John, Elizabeth wife of Edward Chichester of Ralegh, and Dorothy wffe of Sir John Fulford. He died 31st Henry VIII (1540) (Pole.) Arms of Daubeny, Gules, five fusils in fesse, argent. Dugdale, quoting the will of Fulk Bourehier, shews that his father WiUiam Bourehier and mother, Thomazine Hankford, are also buried at Bampton — this is likewise confirmed by the initial T on the shield, and therefore it may be inferred that the portions of the tombs found in the Church commemorate the three early generations of Bourehier : — " The first WiUiam Bourehier who married Thomazine Hankford, married secondly Catherine, widow of Stukely; she bequeathed her body (1466) to be buried in West Worlington Church, Devon. Fulk, his son, caUed Lord Fitzwarren, bequeathed his body to be buried, if he should die in England, in the Chapel of our Lady adjoining the churchyard at Baunton (Bampton), near to the grave of Lady Thomazine his mother, appointing that a fair stone of marble, with an inscription thereon, should be with all speed laid upon the grave of Lord William his father, another upon Lady Thomazine his mother, and a third upon his own grave. John, his son (the first Earl of Bath), also ordered himself to be buried at "Baunton, that a tomb stone of marble should be set on his grave, with his por traiture of brass, his arms, and day and year of his death graven there on " (Baronage). Polwhele, quoting from Bisdon, says this inscription was in one of the windows of Bampton Chinch : — " Orate pro animabus Johannis militia, et Elizabethm, Dnce Fitzwarren, uxoris ejus, qui ha tic fenestram fieri fecerunt." This may have relation to Elizabeth Dinham, wife of Fulk, Lord Fitzwarren, although the name given to the knight is John ; she may have married secondly. Among the fragments of glass still remaining is the impalment of De Arches. Her mother was Jane, daughter of Sir Richard Arches. CHURCHES OF NORTH DEVON. 87 One Bartholomew St. Leger married Blanch, daughter of WUliam Bourehier Lord Fitzwarren; she was buried in Sherwell Church, 1483 (Westcote). The later descendants of the Bourchiers, Earls of Bath, buried in Tawstock Church, are — (1.) Frances (ob. 1586), daughter of Sir Thomas Kitson, Knt., and wife of John, Lord Fitzwarren, eldest son of John Bourehier, second Earl of Bath : — high tomb with recumbent effigy ; — (2). WiUiam Bourehier (ob. 1623), third Earl of Bath : — high tomb with efhVies of bimseU and his Countess, Elizabeth, daughter of Francis Russell, Earl of Bedford. He inherited the title from his grandfather, his father John, Lord Fitzwarren, and mother, Frances Kitson, having both pre -deceased John, the second Earl. On this tomb are also three small kneeling effigies — one of which, a male, probably represents John, eldest son of this Earl (ob. 1587). (3). Henry Bourehier, fourth and last Earl, a hand some sarcophagus tomb, supported on griffins, with obelisks of white marble. (4). Rachael, his Countess, (ob. 1681), daughter of Francis Fane, Earl of Westmoreland ; — a white marble statue standing on a black marble pedestal. She married secondly, Lionel, third Earl of Middlesex. Bampton appears to have descended to Bourehier by the heiress of Paynel, Baron of Bampton, through Cogan, and Fitzwarren. Lady Elizabeth Bourehier, daughter of the first Earl of Bath, and wife of Edward Chichester, Esq., is buried at Bra,unton, where there is a singular memorial to her memory of composite character. On a flatstone, a cross with pointed terminations is incised, and at its base a figure of Lady Chichester is inlaid of small size. She is represented kneeling in the attitude of prayer before a prie Dieu, with a book open before her, and is attired in a long gown with deep fur cuffs, pyramidal head-dress, and rich jewel suspended from her girdle. Below is this inscription : — " I£>ere l»ethe JLaOp €u)abetbe 98omcer, daughter of 3fabn Crle of 98atbe, & sumtpme OSlptTe to €bmarbe Cbecbester, Csqttper, tl)e mijicbe eipjabetlje becesspb tbe rriiiith bap of August, in tbe pere of or ILorOe (Sob mbrlbiii, apon robase sattle <3on babe mcp." A curious fact connected with this brass is, that it is a pahmpsest, and 88 SEPULCHRAL EFFIGIES IN THE on the other side is engraved the head of a knight, moustached, with apparently a bascinet on, and camail of concentric ring-mad. The costume points to an era at least three centuries and half antecedent to the figure of Lady Chichester incised on the other side. Henry Bourehier (eldest son of Henry Bourehier, Earl of Eu, and Anne Plantagenet, daughter of Thomas of Woodstock) was created Earl of Essex by King Edward IV, and K.G. He was by marriage uncle to that monarch, having wedded Isabel, only sister of Richard Duke of York, his father, slain at York, 1460. He died in 1483, and is buried at Little Easton, Suffolk, where there is his brass effigy. He wears the somewhat rare Yorkist collar of suns and roses, clasped by the lion of March. Thomas Bourehier, third son, was Archbishop of Canterbury. " Thomas Bourehier, or Bourghier," says Dart, (Hist. Cath. Ch. Canterbury, 1726), "in the obituary Bowrschyre, and in the Hist. Eliensis, Bowcer, son of WUliam, Earl of Ewe and the Countess of Stafford, brought up at Oxford in NevU Court, and three years, namely, from 1434 to 1437, ChanceUor of that University. He was Dean of St. Martin's in London, and by a Papal Bull of Provision, at the King's request, made Bishop of Worcester the 9th of March, 1434, and made profession of obedience the 20th day of AprU, 1435, and was that day consecrated. From thence he was elected Bishop of Ely, in January, 1436, and translated 20th December, 1443, and received bene diction 28th February following; he sat there ten years twenty-three weeks and five days. He gave 100 marks towards repairing the steeple at Ely, and was elected Archbishop of Canterbury on the 9th Kal. May, 1454; which election was confirmed by Pope Nicholas V, in June that year, and published in this Cathedral 11th Kal. September. In December he was made Cardinal of St. Ciriaci in Thennis ; he was enthroned 7th Kal. February, 1455, and on the 9th March following was made Lord Chancellor of England; and on the 11th of October the year following he resigned it up to the King. September 18th, 1465, he renounced his Cardinalship. He sat very long in this seat, but in times of such confusion, that he had not the opportunity of doing much good. He gave to his Church an image of the Holy Trinity of pure gold, richly set with jewels, and twenty-seven copes of red tissue; and likewise to his Church of Worcester one of the Virgin Mary of silver-gilt, worth sixty-nine pounds ; and to compensate PARISH CHURCHES OF NORTH DEVON. 89 for dUapidations, he left his successor to the value of two thousand pounds ; to the Church of Ely two hundred marks ; and to many other monasteries ; one hundred pounds to the University of Oxford, and the like sum to that of Cambridge, to be kept in chests for the support of poor scholars ; Weaver says, 120 to Cambridge, and some 130 ; but this is certain, that University was thirty years before they could get it of his executors. He died at his palace at Knoll, on Thursday, 30th day of March, 1486, and was buried according to his will on the north side of choir, by the the High Altar, in a tomb of marble ; and founded a chantry, surrendered to Henry the VIII. The inscription on the tomb is this : — "Hie jacet reverendissimus in Christo Pater et Dominus Thomas Bourehier quondam sacro sanctcs Romance Ecclesim & Sancte Ciriac in Thermis Cardinalis, Archiepiscopus hujus ecclesios, qui obijt SO die mensis Marcii 1486. Cujus anima propitietur Deus. Amen." The fine canopied tomb of the Archbishop stiU remains, it is ornamented with the Bourehier knot. The arms of the Archbishop, according to Dr. Oliver, are in the north aisle of Tawstock Church, also at Wantage. John Bourehier, another member of this family, was Rector of Tawstock, 1460-8. He became subsequently Archdeacon of Canterbury, and died 6th November, 1495. "Archdeacon John Bourgchier" says Somner, (Antiquities of Canterbury 1640) "was, I take it, brother or neare kins man to the Archbp. He dyed in the year 1495, and was buried in the Lady ChapeU of Christ Church, where you may finde his monument. The windowes of this ChapeU where he lyes are very full of the Bourgchier armes. " Hie jacet sub hoc marmore expectans misericordiam Dei, venerabilis vir Magister Johannes Bourehier, Archidiaconis Cantuariensis, qui quidem Johannes migravit ad Dominum, sexto die mensis Novemb. 1495. Cujus anima de suce magna ptietate propitietur cdtissimus." The Archdeacon's gravestone is 'now destroyed, but the Bourehier arms stiU remain in the windows, and the glass quarrels in them, alternately 90 SEPULCHRAL EFFIGIES IN THE display the devices of Bourehier, the knot, and the stem of oak leaved and fr acted. Windows, Canterbury Cathedral. Stafford, Earl of Devon. — Bouechier. Honiton and Plymtree. — Among the bosses in the roof of the north aisle of the Church of St. Michael at Honiton, there are three or four on which are shields exhibiting the Bourehier knot. The same badge also occurs on the skreen at Plymtree, in conjunction with that of Stafford, and at Payhembury. After the attainder of Henry Courtenay, Earl of Devon for treason, and for which he was beheaded at Salisbury in 1466, and, before the death of his brother John Courtenay, who perished at Tewkesbury in 1471 (by whose death the elder branch of that distinguished famdy became extinct) King Edward the IV created Sir Humphry Stafford, Baron of Southwick, Hampshire, Earl of Devon, and gave him a large portion of the confiscated estate of the unfortunate Henry Courtenay. But Lord Stafford did not wear his new honours long. Having in 1470 been ordered by the King to join the Earl of Pembroke, and meet and give battle to the Lancastrian army under Sir Henry NevUle and Sir John Conyers, then advancing from the north on London, he, for some trivial dispute between himself and Lord Pembroke, relative as to which of the twain should occupy a certain inn at Banbury, withdrew himself from the King's army, taking with him about eight hundred bow-men who had accompanied him out of Devonshire. In consequence of this defection, the forces under the Earl of Pembroke were ultimately routed, and in strict keeping with the barbarity of the time, the Earl himself being taken prisoner, was beheaded. "Lord Stafford" says Cleveland, "the author of this overthrow, did not escape condign punishment, for by diligent enquiry made by King Edward's order, he was found at Brent PARISH CHURCHES OF NORTH DEVON 91 near the river Axe in Somersetshire, and was carried into Bridgewater and beheaded." Lord Stafford married, according to Pole, Isabel daughter of Sir John Barre or Barry, but had no issue by her, and after his death she married Sir Thomas Bourehier, younger son of Henry Bourehier, Earl of Essex. This is probably a mistake, he must have been the second son of John Bourehier, Lord Berners, who was fourth son of WiUiam Bourehier, Earl of Essex and Eu, whose wife was Anne Plantagenet, daughter of Thomas of Woodstock, (seventh and youngest son of Edward III.) by his wife, Eleanor Bohun. This was the third alliance of the lady Anne Plantagenet, she had previously wedded Thomas, Earl of Stafford (ob. 1393,) and secondly Ednrand his brother, who was slain at Shrewsbury in 1403. Both herself and third husband were buried in the Priory of Lanthony. Thus by a singrdar coincidence, the second husband of this Lady Isabel Stafford, Countess of Devon, Sir Thomas Bourehier, stood almost paraUel in relationship and descent from the blood-royal in alliance with the noble house of Bohun, as did the unfortunate Henry Courtenay, whom her first husband, Lord Stafford, supplanted in the Earldom of Devon. Henry Courtenay was descended from Humphry de Bohun, and his wffe the Princess Elizabeth, seventh daughter of King Edward I. Thomas Bourehier, through Eleanor Bohun, (daughter of Humphry de Bohun grandson of the before named Humphry), and Thomas, of Woodstock, youngest son of King Edward the III. It is difficult to directly account for the appearance of the Bourehier knot in Honiton Church, or at Plymtree where it occurs in company with the Stafford knot, in aUusion as it were to both husbands. The Stafford badge at Plymtree is of pecuhar shape, with apparently an I, possibly the first initial of her name, incorporated. Bourehier and Stafford Knots— Honiton and Plymtree. 92 SEPULCHRAL EFFIGIES IN THE The manor and advowson of Honiton belonged to the younger or Powderham branch of the Courtenays, and formed no part of the property confiscated at the death of Hemy Courtenay in 1466, who represented the elder descent, and the manor of Plymtree, although at one time forming part of the estate, had long been ahenated from it. A curious circumstance is, however, observable relative to Honiton between the year 1466, when Hemy Courtenay perished, and the year 1487 when Henry the VII. restored the next male representative of the house, Edward Courtenay of Haccombe and Boconnock to the Earldom and estates. The living of Honiton became vacant, and in Dr. OUver's :list of incumbents Geoffery Newchurch was appointed, but the patron's name does not seem to be known, yet the head of the house of Powder ham appears as patron at the appointments immediately before and after Newchurch. The probabdity is that in consideration of this Countess holding so large a portion of the escheated Courtenay estate, at a time when so many of the Devonshire Churches were being rebudt, she did contribute largely toward the re-erection of those in the parishes where the property was situate, or had claim on the almost princely name, and that in consequence the badges of her both husbands' families were set up, and to this day remain to record her munificence. Among the antient stained glass remaining in Mdton Abbey, Dorset, was the coat of Stafford of Southwick, and round it the inscription — " on tobose soul <0ob babe mcp. %$>£>." Sir Humphry Stafford, Earl of Devon, was second son of Sir WUliam Stafford of Hooke, Dorset (ob. 1450), and grandson of Sir Humphry Stafford {surnamed of the Silver Hand,) of Hooke (ob. 1414,) a descendant of WiUiam Stafford of BromehiU in the county of Stafford, a branch of the noble and wide spreading family of that name. "This Humphry, Earl of Devon " says Hutchins, " who is styled of South- wick, which seems to have been the appanage of a younger branch of the Hooke family, and was the original seat of the eldest branch, succeeded his cousin Humphry. In the 2nd Edward IV. (1463) he was summoned to Parliament as a Baron, and 4th Edward IV. (1465,) created Baron of South- wick. By his will, dated 3rd Edward IV., he bequeathed his body to be buried in the PARISH CHURCHES OF NORTH DEVON. 93 Church of St. Mary at Glastonbury, and appointed Mr. Nicholas Goss and Mr. Watts, then Warden of the Grey Friars in Exeter, should for the salvation of his soul go to every parish Church in Dorset, Somerset, WUts, Devon, and CornwaU, and say a sermon ; but 9th Edward IV. (1470) deserting with his forces the Earl of Pembroke at Banbury, who was routed by the northern rebels July 29th, he was apprehended and beheaded at Bridgewater 17th August, 1470, and was buried at Glaston bury in the arch of the -south cross in the Abbey Church." So perished Humphry Stafford, Earl of Devon, called, says Cleveland, "the Earl of three months standing and no more," by the west country folk in derision, who doubtless looked with great suspicion and disfavour on the intrusion of this unfortunate man to a dignity that had so long formed one of their most cherished traditions connected with the noble famdy to whom it had ever appertained, and who, happUy, were again soon after ward reinstated with the possession of its distinguished honour. His arms were, Or, a, chevron gules, within a border engrailed sable; those of Bourehier, — Argent, a cross engrailed gules, between four water- bougets sable. Sir Humphry Bourehier, elder brother of Sir Thomas Bourehier, presum ably the second husband of Isabel Stafford, Countess of Devon, married Elizabeth daughter and co-heir of Sir Frederick TUney. He was slain at the battle of Barnet field 1471, and is buried in St. Edmund's Chapel in Westminster Abbey. On a large slab of grey marble, on a low tomb, is the matrix of his effigy in armour, one of his feet rested on a leopard and the other on an eagle. The crest of Bourehier which was attached to the helmet under his head stdl remains, a man's head (Saracen's?) couped at the shoulders having a peaked cap on. The stone is powdered over with small shields, suspended from Bourehier knots. The ledger line has disappeared, but the following inscription remains at the feet of the figure : — "^tc pugil ecce jacens 35eraet fera bella cuptscens, Certat ut aeaciOes, sit sauctus unbique miles, Vi ceciOit bulnus, jftars parrigit arma ceuore giparsim tincta rubent, bolor en lacljrpmabtlis bora, h2 94 SEPULCHRAL EFFIGIES IN THE Lumine nempe cabit, quo Cijristus morte resttrgit, 38ourcbier ^umfribns clara propagini bietus. ©bmarOi regis qui tertius est bocitatus, fobu Domini Berners proles et parbultts ijaeres ; <©tiartus et ©Omarbtts belli tenet ecce triumpbum, ©uo perit ^umphribus, ut regis beraula berus Cpronomou mensae spans# regis fuit iste, €lt?abetb sibi sic sua birtus crescit bonore ; gratis consptcuus quonbam cbarusque 2Srittanis pit fuit; ut ctelis bibat beposcite botis." At the corners are four shields with Bourehier quartering TUney and other alliances. Fragment of a Crusader, Exeter.— There is in the Devon and Exeter Museum the cast of the upper portion of a male effigy, the particulars respect ing which have been kindly communicated by the Curator, W. S. D'Urban, Esq. " The original of the plaster cast of the head of an effigy of James Lord Audley of Red HiU in Shropshire, who died 1386, is said to have been dug up in 1826 on the site of the Dominican Convent, near where Bedford Chapel now stands, and was in the possession of the late John Gidley, Esq. This information is derived from a label attached to it by the late J. W. L. Ross, Esq., of Topsham, from whose coUection it came to this Musuem." Dr. Oliver in his Monasticon Exoniensis says relative to this fragment, " that it was the opinion of Sir Samuel Meyrick the flattened conical shape of the coiffe de maiUe proves that the Knight, whoever he may be, lived in the reign of Henry III. (1216-72,) and this effigy may be attributed to the close of that period ; the specimen is interesting from shewing a peculiar mode of fastening the over-lapping part of the coiffe by a strap and buckle near the left temple." The complete figure, judging from the contour of the head, was doubt less a cross-legged effigy similar to many stiU existing in the county. This Convent, observes Leland, " was a house of Blake-Freres on the north side of the cemetrie of the Cathedrale Church, but without the Close." Its Conventual Church was dedicated in 1259 by Bishop Brones- PARlbH CHURCHES OF IsORlH DEVON. 95 combe, and became the burial place of some of the most antient famUies in Devonshire, the Martins, Cadwodeleighs, and many others. It is questionable if the above presumed identification of this fragment of an effigy be correct. The date 1386 would be much too late for the armour, for at that period chain-mad had been almost wholly superseded by plate-armour. Effigy found in Exeter: — In digging on the site of the Franciscan Priory, behind CoUeton Crescent, it is recorded by Shortt in his Collectanea, " an antient tomb or vaulted recess was uncovered at the depth of twelve feet, inclosing a skeleton in a forward state of decay. Several handsome pieces of tracery and carved work accompanied these relics, among others a handsome effigy in fuU costume, with beads, the folds of her habit in her hand." The foUowing, gathered from Cleveland, may give a clue as to who she was: — "John de Courtenay Baron of Okehampton, died 3rd May 1273, and was buried at Ford Abbey near his father the Lord Robert Courtenay, before the high altar. His lady survived him a long time, and was married after ward to the Lord Oliver Dinham or Dinant, and Musberrie was held by the said Lord OUver Dinham, nomine dotis Isabelle de Courtenay. She outhved her second husband, and died August 1 1th , and was buried in the Church of the Fryars-Prasdicant in Exon, in the south part of the chancel over against her husband." The presumable era of Lord Dinham's death and the style of costume closely coincide. He was summoned to Parliament among the Barons, 24th Edward I, 1296. She was the daughter of Hugh de Vere, Earl of Oxford, Lord High Chamberlain of England. This effigy was probably simdar to those remaining at Haccombe. The Convent was established about 1250, and suppressed 12th September 1538, the site being given to Humphry RoUe. Effigies belonging to single families. — Courtenay. — The large number of sepulchral effigies that stUl exist to the memory of the family of Courtenay afibrds a remarkable evidence of their antient importance. " The stamp of their almost princely authority," observes Mr. Davidson, " may be exten sively recognized throughout the county of Devon," and accordingly their 96 SEPULCHRAL EFFIGIES IN THE memorials are found extending over the whole of the southern portion of the county, from Sheviocke, Ashwater, Plympton, South- Pool, Haccombe, Powderham, and the Cathedral, to Tiverton and Colyton, and the two brasses found in the Cathedral and at ShUlingford. In these Churches then monumental effigies at present remain, and their coat-armour and badges, in almost numberless other instances, are found elsewhere. The brass in Exeter Cathedral represents Sir Peter Courtenay, K.G., Standard-bearer and Lord Chamberlain to King Edward III., Governor of Calais and Windsor Castle, and companion-in-arms of the Black Prince. He is represented in plate and chain armour (corresponding with Division III) with the Garter around his left leg and his feet rest on a dog. There is a splendid canopy, shields bearing the arms of Courtenay and Bohun, and this 'jingling' inscription on the ledger line : — " £>ebonie natus comitis Petrusq bocatus, Begi cagnatus, camerarius t'ntttulatus, Caliseus gratus capitaneus ense probatus, l^ita pribatus fuit June supra astra relatus, (€t quia sublatus be munbo transit amatus,) Celo firmatus maneat sine fine beatus." The above is as given by Dr. Oliver. Sir Peter Courtenay was the seventh son of Hugh Courtenay, Earl of Devon, and Margaret Bohun. He died unmarried in 1409. This fine brass originally lay at the east end of the south aisle of the nave beside the tomb on which reclined the effigies of his father and mother. It has since been removed to the south choir aisle, and the tomb with the effigies of his parents to a position under the south tower. Directly opposite the original position of these effigies, in the nave, may be seen the matrix of a large effigy of a bishop in pontifiealibus, which represented Bishop Brantyngham (ob. 1394,) and it is probable both places of sepulture were once enclosed by rich skreen work, as mortuary chapels. The Bishop and the Earl were contemporaries. Prince says : — " He (Bishop Brantyngham) was interred in a Uttle chappel of his own building, between the two pillars. On his grave was a large marble stone laid, whereon was his portraicture in brass, which long since PARISH CHURCHES OF NORTH DEVON. 97 98 SEPULCHRAL EFFIGIES IN THE was so worn out by time, or imbezeled by sacriligeous hands, that, nor effigies, nor arms, nor inscription do now remain." The brass at ShUlingford (referable to Division IV.) represents Katharine Courtenay and her husband Sir WUliam Huddesfeld. Under two canopies are, first, the figure of Sir WiUiam Huddesfeld. He is bare-headed, but otherwise in full armour, kneeling before a prie Dieu, and on his tabard is emblazoned his armorial bearings : — argent, a fess sable with a crescent for difference thereon, bzti(f?.en three boars passant sable. His gauntlets, helmet, and crest, lie below. Beneath the other canopy is Dame Katharine, also kneeling. She is attired in the angular dependant head-dress, gown, girdle with long chain and tassell. On her mantle is displayed the arms of her family, three torteaux, a label of three. Brass of Sir William and Dame Katharine Huddesfield, Shillingford Church,. A.D. 1499. Behind her kneel three children, a son and two daughters. Below is this inscription : — "ConOitor et i&ebemptar, corporis etaniine g>ft mt'cfn mebictts et custos utriusque." " £>ame featerpn pe Uiife of &iv 2Btlliain I^ubbesfelb anb Oaugbtee of gir Wlip uc be ®louces= tic, Conte be esserie, et oe 9Surfeingbam, et Conestable b'Cngleterre ; que morrust le tiers jour b'^ctober, Tan bu grace ffl.CC,e$<£I?. De qui alme SDt'eur face mercp. 8men." Thomas of Woodstock, Duke of Gloucester, her husband, who came to an untimely end at Calais in 1397, is buried in the Chapel of St. Edward, in Westminster, under a large grey marble stone, with a very elaborate brass, consisting of a number of small figures under canopies, together with his arms and alliances. The inscription (in French) is almost obUterated. The arms of this royal pair are found at Barnstaple, as borne by their grandson William Bourehier, in conjunction with those of his wUe Thomazine Hankford. Swan of Bohun. Bishop Courtenay's Chimney Piece, the Palace Exeter. Barnstaple Priory. Connected with the Plantagenet tombs and memorial sculptures in the county, or closely adjoining or relating to it, may be included the notice of a tomb formerly existing in Bridport Church, (but of which it seems no trace now remains,) and erected to the memory of William Dabrigecourt, son of Sir Eustace Dabrigecourt, of Heynault, by Elizabeth daughter of Gerard, Earl of Juliers, and widow of John Plantagenet, Earl of Kent, 106 ' SEPULCHRAL EFFIGIES IN THE second son of Edmond of Woodstock, sixth son of King Edward I. He was cousin on the mother's side to Philippa, Queen of Edward III. " On the north side of the chancel of Bridport Church," says Hutchins, " is an altar tomb of grey marble. On the north and east side of the cornice part is a fillet of brass with this inscription : — " pit jacet OTUtus, films Cltjabet : be gttlers, Conutt'sse foancie, consanguine pfriltp. — — — " The nails remaining shew the fiUet ran quite round the verge of the tomb on the south and west sides, but that part is torn off and preserved in the vestry, of the same length and breadth, and containing exactly the same inscription, so that we may conjecture the inscription was repeated on each side of the tomb, yet both are imperfect. In Leland and Coker's time more of it remained — qtlOnOam regtn# angli^. Phdippa, Queen of Edward III., and daughter of William, Earl of Heynault, died 1369. The King, to oblige her, created her kinswoman's husband Earl of Cambridge. Wdliam, here buried, was son of Sir Eustace Dabrigecourt, Knt., and brother to Sauchet Dabrigecourt, Knt., one of the founders of the Order of the Garter. Elizabeth, his mother, died 6th June, 12 Henry IV. (1411) and was buried in the White Friars, Winchester. In 1600 these arms were in the window,—!, Ihree liens passant guardant ivithin a bordure, impaling ; 2, A lion rampant (Heynault). And underneath ; " Hie jacet Wills : films Elizabeth de Juliers, Comitisse Kancie, consanguine Philippe quondam Begin : Anglie." It does not appear in what way he was connected with Bridport. Mohun. Devon and Somerset. — This noble famdy, which ranks as one of the most antient in English history, is represented at Axminster, Membury, and probably Stoke-Fleming in Devon ; at Dunster, in Somerset ; Westminster Abbey; at Lanteglos-by-Fowey, in Cornwall; and later at Fleet, near Weymouth. Sir WUliam de Moion or Mohun came to England with the Conqueror, who gave him the large number of fifty-five manors in Somersetshire, PARLSH CHURCHES OF NORTH DEVON. 107 together with the Lordship of Dunster and its Castle. He . founded and endowed the Benedictine Priory of St. George there, and was buried in its Conventual Church. William his son, who succeeded him, together with Agnes his wU'e, were also buried there. Sir William de Mohun, third of that name, " distinguished himself by his adherence to the Empress Maude, in whose cause he defended his castle of Dunster against the friends of King Stephen ; and in considera tion of his services, the Empress is said to have created him Earl of Dorset, but he does not appear to have borne the title. The manor of Bruton, which had descended to him from his grandfather, he bestowed with other valuable estates on the Augustine monastery at that place, and in the Church of that monastery he was buried." — (Davidson). Relative to the title of Earl bestowed on this knight some difficulty exists, and U so honoured, it was probable he was named of ' Somerset,' rather than Dorset, as the chief of his lands lay in that county, and in his charter of endowment to the monastery of Bruton, he is styled " Willielmus de Moyne, comes Somersetensis." Leland, in the Collectanea, seems to confirm this, but states he was buried at Dunster: — " Gul. Moion sepultus est in prior de Dunster quern ipse construxit. Gul. Moion ejus hceres ibidem sepultus. Gul. Hi dictus Meschin ibidem sepultus, qui primus comes fuit de Somerset." The curious circumstance of a dignity of the same rank and title being bestowed on this knight's grandson by the Pope, may merely have been a confirmation of this mark of favour by the Empress. Sir WiUiam de Mohun his son was living in the 12th Henry II. (1166), and was also buried at Bruton. A religious foundation existed at Bruton from before the Conquest, and after the accession of prosperity consequent upon this endowment of Sir WUham de Mohun, it was changed into a Priory of Black or Augustine Friars. Subsequently it was raised to the dignity of an Abbey. Of the Conventual buddings that were at Bruton, with the exception of a high waU supported by buttresses, scarcely a vestige exists. On the front of an old budding in the centre of the town still called the Priory, there are two shields, one of them has the maunch a,nd fleur-de-lys, but modernized almost beyond recognition, the other the cross engrailed. k 108 SEPULCHRAL EFFIGIES IN THE Beyond this no other trace of Mohun is observable at Bruton, except on the fourth bell in the Church tower. Succeeding Sir WiUiam was his son Reginald, who was under age at his father's death, and his wardship was granted by the crown to Lord WiUiam Briwere, who married him to his daughter Alice. The effigy at Axminster is considered to represent this lady who was the mother (not wife, as previously stated) of Reginald and WiUiam de Mohun, co-founders of the adjoining Abbey of Newenham. " She is here represented as holding between her hands an image of the Virgin Mary, to whom the church of Axminster is dedicated. To her the manor of Axminster belonged as co-heiress of her brother's estates, who died in 1231. The date of her decease is not precisely known, but it took place shortly before the year 1257. That the Mohuns were greatly instrumental to the budding of the Church at this period is also apparent from the fact that among the shields which adorn the parapet of the north aisle are two which represent the armorial bearing used by Reginald the husband of Alice de Mohun, whose ensigns would not in any other case have been perpetuated there : for the manor of Axminster passed into the possession of the Abbot and Convent of Newenham in the year 1246, which was prior to the decease of Lady Alice de Mohun." — (Davidson). The effigy at Membury is conjectured to be placed to the memory of this same Alice de Mohun, — Membury being a dependant chapelry of Axminster, and the effigy at Dunster probably commemorates the same person ; there is great similarity of costume in aU three figures, but more particularly those at Membury and Dunster. Sir Reginald de Mohun "was in great favour with King Henry the III. In the twenty-fifth year of that monarch's reign, he was appointed one of the Justiciars of the Common Pleas, in the following year he was con stituted Chief Justice of all the forests south of the Trent, and in the thirty-sixth year of the same reign, he was made Governor of Saubey Castle in Leicestershire. He was also the individual who received the distinguished honour of being created Earl of Somerset by Pope Innocent IV. This singular invasion of the royal prerogative, as it appears to be the only instance on record in this country, deserves a more particular notice. It was the practice at that time, as it appears to be at the present, for PARISH CHURCHES OF NOETH DEVON 109 the Pope, on the day eaUed 'Lsetare Jerusalem,' to present a consecrated rose or flower of gold to some brave or honourable person in company with him at high mass, or to send it to some individual whom he wished to distinguish by his favour. The Pope was then at Lyons, whither Sir Reginald had proceeded to obtain his sanction and confirmation to the new foundation of Newenham Abbey ; and forming one of the congregation on the day mentioned, was thought worthy to receive this flattering token of respect. But as it had not been the custom to bestow the gift on any person below that of an Earl, the Pontiff at the same time created him Earl of Est, which the BuU interprets Earl of Somerset, with a pension of 200 marks a year payable out of the papal revenue from England called Peter pence." — (Davidson). This was probably only the recognition or confirmation by the Pope, of a title which had been used or assumed by preceding members of the family. Sir Reginald appears to have been married twice ; who his first wife was cannot be determined, but she was probably the heiress of the Flemings of Stoke-Fleming, the second being, according to Pole, the Lady Isabel, widow of Gdbert Lord Bassett, and one of the daughters of WUUam Ferrers, Earl of Derby, by SybU his first wife, one of the sisters and heirs of the Earls MarshaU. These alliances are displayed on the gene alogical shield at Lanteglos. " The coat-armour first borne by the Mohuns was, gules, a maunch ermine; Sir Reginald after the honour bestowed on him by the Pope, assumed these bearings : — Gules, a maunch ermine, the hand argent, hold ing a fleur-de-lys or." — (Davidson.) These arms may be seen on the La-/--*. ^J7 On Gateway Arch, Ottery-Mohun. On Parapet, Axminster Church, and Priory, Bruton. uo SEPULCHRAL EFFIGIES IN THE parapet of Axminster Church, also in the spandril of the gateway arch of the dismantled seat of the Carews, who succeeded this family in their olden home of Ottery-Mohun, Luppit ; — the arms of Carew occupying the other spandril. Sir Reginald died at his seat at Torre-Mohun in 1257, and the Chartulary of Newenham relates some extraordinary visions which were seen by this Knight and his Confessor a few days prior to his decease. His body was brought to Newenham for interment, and buried before the high altar of the Abbey Church, where also the body of his brother William, who died at Norton, Somerset, in 1265, was laid beside him. The effigy at Stoke -Fleming may be assigned to one of two persons, the heiress of the Flemyngs, presumably the first wife of Sir Reginald de Mohun, or Elinor the daughter of his second son Sir William de Mohun, and wife of Sir John Carew, who by this aUiance and the decease of his wife's sister Mary, (who married Sir John Merriett, without issue) acquired a large patrimony belonging to the Flemings, including Ottery- Fleming, Luppit, thenceforward changed to Ottery-Mohun. Westcote says, " Stoke, surnamed Fleming, of a noble gentleman of that country that served Richard I, and inhabited this place, Sir Richard Fleming, alias Flandrensis de Stock, Knight ; from whom it came by a daughter to Mohun, and by the like to the illustrious famUy of Carew." This is confirmed by the quartering of Fleming in the large genealogical shield at Lanteglos. According to Pole, Sir WUliam Fleming ' gave ' lands at Stoke-Fleming, Ottery- Fleming and elsewhere, to Sir Reginald de Mohun, Lord of Dunster, who gave it unto his second son Sir William de Mohun, by his second wife, Isabel, Lady Basset. The Flemings were not extinct, and great friendship evidently existed between them and the Mohuns, for Henry Fleming was appointed to the rectory of Luppitt by Sir Reginald. At this rector's death in 1266, Baldwin de Mohun, a younger brother of Sir Reginald, was presented to the living by John de Northampton, Abbot of Newenham, in consequence of an arrangement made with Sir Reginald before his decease, he having previously given the advowson of the Uving to the Abbey. A second supposition may be hazarded as to the identity of the lady PARISH CHURCHES OF NORTH DEVON. HI at Dunster : it may have been intended for the second wife of Sir Reginald, Isabel, widow of Lord Bassett ; no record appears to exist of the interment of any ladies of the Mohun famdy at Newenham. " Sir John de Mohun the son of Sir Reginald (of Newenham) died in Gascony, but his remains were brought home for interment ; his heart was deposited with fihal feehng in the choir of Newenham, close to the remains of his father, whUe his body was taken to Bruton, and buried with his ancestors there. His grandson of the same name served in Gascony and in Scotland, bearing a command in the first division of the English army at the siege of Carlaverock in 1300, and in the year 1301, we find his name as Lord of Dunster affixed to the letter from the Barons to the Pope, relative to the claims of the latter to the kingdom of Scotland, and he was regularly summoned to Parliament among the Barons of the realm from the 27th Edward I to the 4th Edward III, (1330), the year in which he died." — (Davidson). EUnor, a daughter of this Baron, married Sir Ralph WiUington of Atherington, North Devon, and the effigy there probably represents her. Sir John de Mohun, the fifth and last of that name, and in whom the male line of this branch of the family ended, being only ten years of age when his grandfather died, his wardship and marriage were granted to Bartholomew de Burghwash, brother of Henry Bishop of Lincoln, (ob. 1340). During the reign of Edward III, this Baron served often in the wars of France and Scotland, and he was in the expedition to Flanders in the 47th of that King. He had summons to Parliament from the 16th to the 47th (1374) of the same reign, and was honoured with the order of the Garter on its first institution. Sir John de Mohun was married to Joan, the daughter of his guardian, but died leaving three daughters only, co-heiresses. — (Davidson). Of these, one only left issue, viz. : — Matdda, wife of John, Lord Strange ; — Elizabeth, married WUUam Montacute, Earl of Sarum ; — and Phdippa, married Edward Duke of York, son of Edmond of Langley, Duke of York (fifth son of Edward III,) by his wife Tsabel daughter of Peter, King of Castile and Leon. He was her third husband, she having previously married, first Lord Fitz-walter, and secondly Sir John Golofre, Knt. She is buried in St. Nicholas Chapel, Westminster Abbey, with high tomb and effigy. At the time of his death, Sir John de 112 SEPULCHRAL EFFIGIES IN THE Mohun held fifty-three manors in Somerset, the castle of Dunster, and two manors in Dorset. The effigies found in the chantry on the north side of the choir of Dunster Church, presumably respresent this nobleman and his wife Joan de Burgwash. The appointments of the armour assimilate with those worn in the era in which he lived, and the coUar of SS., and apparel of the lady, are almost identical with those found on King Henry IV, and his Queen, Joan of Navarre, in Canterbury Cathedral (1413). It is unfortunate the lower part of the male effigy is destroyed, as the Garter would probably have been found on the left leg. This tomb and its effigies was probably erected by the widowed Lady Joan Mohun to the memory of her deceased husband and herself during her lifetime, as she also caused another to be constructed for herself, in a similar way, in a chantry she founded in the crypt or under-croft of the Lady Chapel in Canterbury Cathedral; and where she was doubtless buried. The circumstance of chantries being attached to both tombs seems also to confirm the presumption that they commemorate the same persons. The costume of Lady Joan Mohun at Canterbury very much resembles the effigy at Dunster, with the exception of the head-dress, but both examples are common to the era in which she flourished. Of the Priory buildings at Dunster only a very small portion remains. " The Church," says CoUinson, " is a large Gothic pile one hundred and sixty-eight feet long, and was built (or rather rebuilt) by King Henry VII. The part eastward of the tower was the original church of the Priory. The part westward is that used for divine service. In the old part of the church is a smaU chantry chapel adjoining to the chancel, in it is an antient tomb on which lie the mutilated remains of two effigies of the Mohuns. This part of the Church is now stripped of all its furniture and totally neglected, although it contains many fine tombs and escutcheons of the Mohuns and Luttrel famUies, now perishing with their owners in the dust, and exhibiting a strong rebuke to the vanity of human greatness." " Wonder not, mortal, at thy quick decay — See, men of marble piece-meal melt away ; When whose the image we no longer read, And monuments themselves memorials need." — Ceabbe. PARISH CHURCHES OF NORTH DEVON. 113 This fine structure is now being restored. The more antient tomb with the female effigy has probably never been disturbed from its original position. The other effigies he on a tomb, situate under an arch opening into a smaU chantry on the north side of the high altar. The arch over forms the canopy of the tomb ; it is cusped, and otherwise ornamented, shewing on both sides of the wall alike, simUar to the Ferrers chantry at Beer-Ferrers, South Devon. Within the chantry the original stone altar stUl remains. The style of architecture of the tomb and canopy harmonizes with the rest of the chancel, and the figures and tomb were replaced in their present position when the chancel was rebuilt. Some antient encaustic tiles remain in the floor, displaying shields charged with the arms of Mohun and De Clare, Or, three chevrons gules. Matilda, the eldest daughter of John, the last Lord Mohun, married John Lord Strange of Knockinge. They had issue Richard Lord Strange, which by Elizabeth daughter of Reginald Lord Cobham, had issue John Lord Strange, (ob. 1475) who married Jaquetta, one of the sisters and heirs of Anthony WoodviUe, Earl Rivers. " In HUlingdon Church, Middlesex," says Lysons, " are two figures of brass of large size under a canopy, representing a man in armour, and a female with a gown and hood. I suppose this to have been the tomb of John Lord Strange of Knockin, and Jane his wife, daughter of Richard WoodviUe, Earl Rivers, and sister of Elizabeth, Queen of Edward IV. It is certain such a tomb was placed for them in Hillingdon Church, (in 1509) by their daughter Jane who married George Lord Strange, heir apparent of Thomas Earl of Derby. The following inscription (since removed) was to be seen on the tomb in Weever's time : — " Sub hoc tumbd jacet nobilis Joannes Dominus Le Strange, Dominus de Knocking, Mohun, Wasset, Warnell et Lacy, et Dominus de Cobham; una cum pictura Jaquetta quondam uxoris sues, qui quidem Jaquetta fuit soror Elizabeth&s Reginos Anglice quondam uxoris Edwardi Quarti, qui quidem Joannes obiit 15 die Octobris, anno Regni Edwardi Quarti 17; quam quidem tumbam Johanna Domina Le Strange, una cum pictura Jaquetta ex sumptibus suis propriis fieri fecit, 1509." An inspection of the fine brass shews two figures under pyramidal 114 SEPULCHRAL EFFIGIES IN THE crockettecl canopies, in the centre compartments of which is displayed the double rose of conspicuous size. Lord Strange appears in full armour, collar and skirt of mail, broad-toed sabbatons and spurs. His head is bare, the hair long and flowing, and he wears his sword on the left side slung by a belt from the waist, buckled and knotted in front. His lady wears a long gown, the cuffs guarded with fur ; around her waist a girdle ornamented with three roses in front, from which depends a chain and tasseU ; over is a robe, fastened across the breast by a band orna mented with roses, on her head is a coverchief. The later arms of Mohun, Or, a cross engrailed sable, were first adopted by Sir John de Mohun, great grandson of Sir Reginald of Newenham, and these arms were also used by the Abbots of that monastery on their conventual seal as the arms of Mohun. This coat is found on one of the shields at Bruton, John de Mohun being named as patron of the Priory- there, 19th Richard II. (1396), and also on the parapet of Axminster Church. On the fourth bed in the tower of Bruton Church are the foUowing inscriptions : — "g>ancta jftaria ora p nobis." " ©st ^tetanus primus lapibattts gracia plenus." And on a shield on the waist of the bed are the initials, W. G. in chief, and the device of Mohun, a maunch with the fleur-de-lys, in the base. W. G. refers to WUliam Gilbert, Abbot of Bruton, 1528.— (EUacombe). It may be added that on the west side of the church-yard at Bruton, close adjoining the ruins of the Abbey, there is a high tomb with quatre-foil panels enclosing shields on its sides. There are no bearings on the shields visible, and a plain slab covers it on the top ; its architecture dates it to have been early in the fourteenth century, and it as as doubtless once within the walls of some building, and may perhaps have originally covered the dust of a Mohun. PARISH CHURCHES OF NORTH DEVON. 115 " So flits this world's uncertain span ! Nor zeal for God, nor love man, Gives mortal monuments a date Beyond the power of Time and Fate. The towers must share the builder's doom ; Ruin is theirs, and his a tomb: But better fate benignant Heaven To Faith and Charity are given, And bids the Christian hope sublime Transcend the bounds of Fate and Time." — Sir W. Scott. Mohun. Cornwall. — The elder surviving male line of the family was now represented by Sir Reginald, brother of Sir John de Mohun of Dunster, fourth of that name, who died in 1330. They were settled in Corn wall, and had their residence at HaU and Bodinneck in Lanteglos-by-Fowey, and sub sequently at Boconnoc. In Lanteglos-by-Fowey Church, at the south east end of the south aisle in the Founder's place, is a low altar tomb with panels and' shields under, and over it is an obtuse arch, cusped, springing from corbels which consist of angels holding shields. Above is a Tudor flower cresting, flanked by octangular em battled pinnacles with shields On the tomb is the brass effigies of a knight in very early complete plate armour, with sword and spurs, and his feet resting on a lion, beneath which is this inscription : — " per bibeaut cuncti sic transit glfia miibi." On the ledger line around is the foUowing ; Brass Effigy of Thomas de Mohun, Lanteglos- by-Fowey Church. 116 SEPULCHRAL EFFIGIES IN THE " Euc jacet Stomas be Jftolnm et foijes pater ejus filius et ijeres laegtnalbi be Jflohun militis et eit^abetije ttroris sue filie et herebis Sfolns J7tt^2Mlliam jMitis qui scos frater Slolns etiam bni be Jftobttn Cijomas obiit ttit mens . . . anno bontini millmo cccc . . Quorum animabus propictetur betts. amen." There were four shields, of these three remain : — 1.- — Three bucks' heads affrontee, the horns dependant. ( ?) 2. — Three bends. (Fitz- William.) 3. — A cross engrailed, a label of three. (Mohun.) This Thomas Mohun was the grandson of Sir Reginald de Mohun, (brother of Sir John, ob. 1330,) who married the heiress of Fitz- William of Lanteglos, and settled there. Of the famdy of Fitz- William, says Dr. Oliver, "when Leland was at Tywardreth Priory, he saw in the west part of the Conventual Church the tomb of Robert Fitz- William, 'a man of fair lands in the reign of Edward III,' with the following epitaph : — " Hcec est tumba Roberti filii Willielmi." John Mohun, the father of Thomas, according to the Visitation for Devon, 1620, married Jone daughter of St. Aubin, his son Thomas, Elizabeth daughter of Richard H e, the place for the name is unfortunately given in blank. On a flat stone, immediately fronting the east window of this (Mohun's) aisle, (and beneath which there was doubtless originaUy an altar,) were two brass effigies, the knight in complete armour, but with head bare, and the lady in angular pyramidal head-dress, fur-edged boddice, and three roses at her girdle. Both have chains round the neck from which rich crosses depend. Below the figures is this inscription : — " ©ic jacet tumulata corpora 3tobts jHohtm armigeri et anne uxoris ejus filie laici <25obe armigt et qui qutbem fol)ts fuit tilt et b^res 22Jillt jttohun armigt et Esabel tti is ei qui soror Cbmarbi Courtenap Comit' £>ebonie et qui quibem 3fobts et anne obierunt mense September infra bigiuti quartuor boras er iufirmitate bocat' g>ubee ao but m.b. biii quof aibj pptet be." PARISH CHURCHES OF NORTH DEVON. 117 Below are eight smaller figures of children, four boys and four girls. Above is a shield : — Party per pale, Baron, quarterly of four : Crass of John and Anne Mohun, A.D . I 08. Lanteglos-by-Fowey Church. 1. Quarterly, 1 and 4 denuded, but probably Mohun ; 2 and 3, Fitz- WUliam. 2. Three stags' faces affrontSe, the horns dependant ( ?) 3. A maunch the hand holding a fleur-de-lys. (Mohun, antient.) 4. Three bullocks' heads affrontee. (Trembethow. ) Femme:— A chevron between three moor cocks. (Coode or Goode.) The malady referred to in the inscription, and of which they died within twenty-four hours of each other, was the sweating sickness. These figures have lately been removed from the floor, and affixed to a tablet on the waU of the aisle, by descendants of the Goode family. It is 118 SEPULCHRAL EFFIGIES IN THE probable from the uniformity observable in the windows, noble open- timbered roof, and richly carved bench ends stiU remaining in this interesting old untouched Church, that the Mohuns were largely interested in its re-erection, which dates apparently about the time of the tomb, and harmonizes in style. In the east window of this (Mohun's) aisle are two shields ; on the first : — Party per pale, — Baron, — quarterly of four : — 1. — Quarterly 1 and 4, Mohun, modern; 2 and 3 Mohun, antient. 2. Fitz- William. 3. Vert, three bucks' heads affrontee, or, the horns dependant. 4. Ermine, a fess gules (thereon apparently) a lion current, or: — ¦ Impaling, femme, quarterly Courtenay and De Redvers. On the second : — Baron, quarterly (the bearings obliterated, but doubtless Mohun) impaling, Femme ; argent, a chevron gules, between three moor cocks sable. (Goode.) These escutcheons evidently relate to John Mohun and his wife Anne Goode, and also to his father WilUam Mohun, who married Isabel Courtenay daughter of Sir Hugh Courtenay of Ashwater and Boconnock (slain at Tewkesbury), and Margaret Carminow his wife, and whose effigies are in Ashwater Church. This Isabel Courtenay was sister to Edward Courtenay, second of that name, restored to the Earldom of Devon by King Henry VII, after the battle of Bosworth field. There is a fine old manorial seat in this (Mohun's) aisle dated 1608, with panels, cornice richly carved and embellished with colour, and a series of shields consisting of six small and two larger ones, illustrative of the descent of Mohun of CornwaU, and an alliance with Chudleigh ; being the achievement of Sir Reynold or Reginald Mohun, third in descent from John Mohun and Anne Goode. He married Dorothy daughter of John Chudleigh of Ashton, Esq. ; she was bis third wife, he having previously married, first, Mary daughter of Sir Robert KUligrew of Arwenack, Cornwall, and secondly, Philippa daughter of Sir John Hele, Knt., of Wembury. 1st small shield. — Gules, two lion* current argent, impaling Mohun; above a coronet. For Matilda daughter of John de Mohun, last Baron of Dunster, who married John, Lord Strange. PARISH CHURCHES OF NORTH DEVON. 119 2nd smaU shield. — Mohun, impahng, ermine, three lions rampant gules (Chudleigh). 3rd smaU shield.— Modern France and England, quarterly, with a label of three, argent, charged with nine roundels gules; impaling Mohun; over, a ducal coronet, for Edward Plantagenet, Duke of York, son of Edmund of Langley, Duke of York, and grandson of Edward III, who married Phdippa, another daughter of John de Mohun last Baron of Dunster. Her effigy is in Westminster Abbey. A large genealogical shield quarterly of fourteen : — 1. Or, a cross engrailed sable, (Mohun). 2. Gules, two bends undy, or (for Reginald de Mohun and Alice de Briwere). 3. Vaire, a chief checquy, or and gules, (Fleming, for Reginald de Mohun his son, who probably married a Fleming for his first wife). 4. Party per pale, or and vert, a lion rampant, gules, (Marshal, Earl of Pembroke). 5. Or, three chevrons gules, (Clare). 6. Sable, three ivheat sheaves argent, (PevereU, or Mac Murrough ?). 7. Gules, three lions rampant argent, langued azure. 8. Azure, three bends or, (Fitz WUliam). 9. Or, three torteaux, (Courtenay). 10. Or, a lion rampant azure, (De Redvers). 11. Azure, a bend or, a label of three, (Carminow). 12. Azure, three horses' heads caboshed or, bridled azure, (Horsey). 13. Azure, a chevron between three crosslets fitchee ivithin a bordure indented, or, (Turges, of Melcomb, Dorset). 14. Barry wavy, argent and gules, over all a saltire or, (Maubank, of CUfton Maubank, Dorset). The crest, on an esquire's helmet, is the antient device of Mohun ; a maunch ermine, the hand holding a fleur-de-lys, or. The twelfth aUiance relates to Sir WUliam Mohun, father of Sir Reginald who married Dorothy Chudleigh. He married Elizabeth daughter and heiress of Sir John Horsey, Knt., (ob. 1588) of Clifton-Maubank and Melcomb- Horsey, Dorset ; she was his first wife ; his second being Anne daughter of WUUam Roskymer. Sir John Horsey is buried in Sherborne Abbey Church, where also his father (ob. 1564) and grandfather (ob. 1546) are also interred under a large tomb in one of the side Chapels, on which are their effigies, life size, in full armour with sword and misericorde. At the dissolution of religious houses Henry VIII demised to Sir John Horsey, Knight, the house and site of the dissolved monastery of Sherborne, and other lands and houses belonging to the 120 SEPULCHRAL EFFIGIES IN THE Abbey. The Horseys were a famdy of considerable repute in Dorset, seated at CUfton-Maubank in that county, having married the heiress of Maubank. Another large genealogical shield quarterly of four : 1. Ermine, three lions rampant gules (Chudleigh). 2. Azure, three bends argent (Merton). 3. Argent, a lion rampant gules, langued azure (Nonant). 4. Sr a.b.mccccc .. ©uorum animabuspropicietttr be ... " m 124 SEPULCHRAL EFFIGIES IN THE Porch, Burlescombe Church. Probably a cenotaph only, the date never having been filled in. There is another monument to the same persons in the Ayshford aisle, where they were perhaps interred. One of his wives was probably a daughter of Fry of Yarty, Membury. The shield of arms is over the porch door. In the north aisle are two other memorials to this antient family ; — the first of marble, with two richly pamted and gUt effigies kneeling at a desk, with this inscription: " In mortem et memoriam Rogeri Ayshford Armigeri epitaphium, qui obiit quinto die Januarii Anno Domini 1610. Anno oetatis suce 76. You that pass by this Tomb stand still awhile And with your tongues and tears the tyme beguile To see soe good a man betrayed to dust And no cause why save that he was right just. The Church and Churchmen was his chief delight To other things hee scarce had appetite, Or if he had twas like himself twas rare So zealous all his recreations weave He wishH and wanted tyme, which was withstoode Not to lyve long, but to doe more good Wherein though death hath crost him, yet he'll have His virtuous life survyve his marble grave." Above, in the centre, is a genealogical shield of Ayshford displaying twenty-four quarterings, and the crest, a Saracen's head side faced wearing a turban, argent; on the left those of MitcheU. This Roger was the eldest son of the before named Nicholas. He married EUzabeth, daughter and heir of Bartholomew Mychel of Cannington, Somerset. The second, also of marble, has in the centre two kneeling figures, the male in armour, under the female is inscribed : — " To the memory of Elizabeth Ayshforde, ivife of Arthur Ayshforde, eldest sonne of Henry Ayshforde, Esquire, only daughter of the Right Honorable Charles Lord Wilmot, Viscount of Athlone, late General of His Majesty's forces in the Kingdom of Ireland, now a Privy Councellor both of England and Ireland. She dyed the 2Std year of her age, anno Domini 1635, June Uth." PARISH CHURCHES OF NORTH DEVON 125 The arms are those of Ayshford, argent, three ash keys vert, between two chevronels, sable ; and Wdmot. Tracy. Morthoe. — In the south aisle of the Church is a tomb with the effigy of a priest incised on the cover-stone. This tomb was for a long time the subject of very sinister reputation, as supposed to be covering the remains of one of the murderers of Thomas a Becket. Risdon gave both credence and currency to the tradition, and says, "In this remote place Sn WUliam Tracy, son of Oliver Lord Tracy, lived a private Ufe after he with others had slain Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury. Certain it is he withdrew himself hither, here he spent the remainder of his life, and lieth buried in an aisle of this Church .by him budt, under an erected monument, with his pprtraiture engraved on a grey marble stone, having these armories cut on the side thereof, first, three lions passant guardatd, second, three bends, and the third, a saltire. On whose mangled monument I found this fragment of a French inscription, in this antient character : — " Syree Williame de Trace — II enat eeys — Meercy." I say mangled, for this sepulchre was violated in our own memory by some that hoped for gain, but disappointed of their prey, they carried hence the lead in which the dead was wrapt." The effigy consists of an ecclesiastic in full sacerdotal costume, with hands upraised supporting the chalice on his breast. Only a portion of the inscription is now left, and it is in Lombardic letter. Below, on the north side, are three shields : — 1. Three lions passant in pale (CamviU), 2. Two bars (Martyn), 3. A saltire, charged with three plates (?) ; and two niches in which are the figures of S. Catherine with her wheel, and S. Mary Magdalene with long flowing hair, the two saints to whom the Chantry in Morthoe Church is dedicated. The north side is divided into compartments filled with Early Decorated tracery, and at the east end in its usual position is the Crucifixion. Colonel Harding, who has paid great attention to this tomb, andj described it in a comprehensive Paper in a former volume of these: Transactions, considers it to be William de Tracy, Rector of Morthoe and 126 SEPULCHRAL EFFIGIES IN THE a benefactor to his Church, who dying in 1322 was buried in the south aisle, of which he is believed to be the Founder. The attitude of the effigy holding the chalice denotes his rank in the Church, and the word Syre or Sir was the usual prefix to the name of a priest in mediaeval times. Cockworthy. Yarnscombe. — On the north side of the Chancel of Yarns- combe Church is an altar tomb under a low arch. On the cover, a slab of Purbeck marble, is this inscription : — " i£>ic jacet 3fobes Cofebjortbie quonbam .... JRegis in Com. £>ebon, qui obiit . . . 8no £>iii in°.cccc . . . . ct C . . . uror bict 3fobes que obiit anno m\cccc btcti Sfobns . . £>ni m° . . . Avice, the granddaughter and heiress of this John Cockworthy, married John Trevelyan (ob. 1546) of Nettlecombe, Somerset. Ferrers — Malherbe. Feniton.— On the capitals of the pillars of the Malherbe aisle in this Church are shields marshalled in the following order : — 1. On a bend three horse shoes. — (Ferrers of Beer-Ferrers.) 2. Three horse shoes, 2 and 1. — (Ferrers, differenced.) 3. Three nettle leaves dependant, 2 and 1. — (Malherbe.) This latter shield is repeated on the next piUar, and the capital wreathed with nettle leaves. Richard Ferrers married Joan or Jane, daughter On Pillars. Feniton Church. and heiress of William Malherbe, secondly she married Sir John Kirkham, some of whose famdy are buried in the Chancel. A notice of the memento mori found in this Church, and the tomb facing it (having on PARISH CHURCHES OF NORTH DEVON. 127 the arch over a shield containing three nettle leaves on a chevron) is found in the Paper on the South Devon effigies. This branch of the Ferrers famUy differenced their arms by bearing the horse shoes, or, and the field argent ; the parent coat of Beer- Ferrers having the horse shoes argent, and the field or, the bend remaining sable on both escutcheons, (Pole.) They also appear to have borne them without the bend. Brewer. Dunkeswell and Torre Abbeys, and Polsloe Priory. — WUliam de Briwere or Brewer, father of Lady Alice de Mohun, whose effigy is in Axminster Church, was a rich and powerful nobleman, and a great Counsellor of State in the reigns of Richard I. and John, and Leland asserts that he was uncle to the last named monarch. Lord Briwere appears to have founded three monastic establishments in Devonshire ; the Premonstratensian Abbey of Torre, the Cistercian Abbey of DunkesweU, and the Benedictine Nunnery of Polsloe, near Exeter. Of the noble foundation at Torre, Lord Briwere was probably associated with his son-in-law's famUy the Mohuns, who had a seat there, and gave name * to the parish. Comparatively few remains of this once large structure are left, but on one of the three fair gateways mentioned by Leland are the arms of the Founder, two bends wavy ; the later coat of Mohun, a cross engrailed ; of the Abbey, a chevron between three croziers, and Speke. These arms are also found on the exterior of the Abbey barn, and Torre- Mohun Church. Some stone coffins have been found within the Abbey precinct. The names of fourteen abbots have been recovered, ending with Abbot Simon Bede, who surrendered his Monastery 23rd February 1539. Of St. Catharine's Priory at Polsloe, only a part of the antient main waU with buttresses attached, the gateway arch, and a few other incon siderable fragments remain. Succeeding eleven predecessors, Prioress Eleanor Sydnam surrendered her Convent 19th February 1538. The arms of the Priory were, gules, a sword between three Catharine wheels, argent. Dunkeswell Abbey was founded by Lord Brewer in 1201. Its arms were those of the Founder (gules, two bends undy, or) and it was here that he ordered himself to be buried. Some few years ago, a carter of the adjoining farm, driving over a meadow that was formerly covered with the Conventual buddings, was struck with the hollow sound as the wheels 128 SEPULCHRAL EFFIGIES IN THE passed over a spot, which also became remarkably arid in summer time, got his mattock and searched below, and just beneath the surface he discovered two stone coffins side by side, with evidently a smaUer inter ment, as of a chUd, between them. The coffins were hfted and examined, and found to contain the remains of two persons, male and female, presumably the Founder and his wife. The bones were placed in the most ruinous of the two coffins, and reburied; the other may be seen in the yard adjoining the chapel of ease, which is built on the area of the choir of the old Conventual Church. The meadow adjoins, and in summer time the foundations shewing the ground plan of the Abbey, may be clearly distinguished. The stone coffins were of ordinary shape, of red stone, the covers being of Purbeck marble, but with no ornament beyond a moulding at the edge. The style of architecture of the structure was Early English as at Newen ham, and some of the antient tdes have been preserved ; they display an elephant towered, and a shield checquy, among other designs of ordinary Gateway, Dunkeswell Abbey. type. Of the buildings, which formerly covered a large area, scarce a trace remains, except a portion of the antient gate house, and this is fast hastening to destruction. Against one of its abutments is attached the PARISH CHURCHES OF NORTH DEVON. 129 dwelling of the sexton of the new district Church, and intelligent custo dian of the dismantled Abbey precinct. " Here in the ruin heedless of the dead, The shelter seeking peasant builds his shed, And, wondering man could want the larger pile, Exults, and owns his cottage with a smile." — Goldsmith. John Waty. Axminster. — Among the shields found on the sculptured cornice of the north aisle is one bearing the monogram J.W., of the Vicar during whose incumbency it was probably erected. In the north aisle floor is his gravestone thus inscribed : — "©rate pro anima JHagistrt Gobi's ffllatp olim fcujua Crclesie bicars q. obiit b. tut men ao bni nuccccrir, Cujus anima ppictet bus." A Ust of the shields that ornament the handsome parapet may be included: — 1. Mohun, modern ; 2. Courtenay ; 3. Stafford knot ; 4. A hand or gauntlet, holding a short dagger — (Crest of Paulet) ; 5. Stafford knot sur mounted with a crescent for difference — (Cicely BonviUe as Countess of WUtshire) ; 6. Mohun, antient ; 7. A trade design, either a fuller's hammer On Parapet, Axminster Church. or rudder ; 8. J. W ; 9. Two keys in saltire, probably the arms of the See of York, of which the living of Axminster was an appanage; 12. Tudor (double) rose; 13 and 14. Stafford knot with difference. Some of the shields are considerably denuded. This parapet bears evidence of contemporary construction with the 130 SEPULCHRAL EFFIGIES IN THE facade of Ford Abbey, and the stone employed is similar, as are also several of the sculptures displayed. St. Clere — Courtenay — Chiverston— Ralegh — Ford— Dennis. East Budleigh. — The bench ends in this Church are finely carved, with representations of the human figure, tracery, foliage, &c, also a ship, sheep- shears, and other designs boldly executed. Some of the figures support shields thus charged: — 1st shield: — Parted per fess, in chief, quarterly of three: — 1. A sun (St. Clere) ; 2. A fess engrailed between three mullets (TidweU) ; 3. Three torteaux, a label of three ; (Courtenay) ; In base, on a bend, three goats passant (Chiverston). This is the achievement of St. Clere of TidweU, in this parish, who, Bench Ends, East Budleigh. by marriage with Joan heiress of TidweU of TidweU, held that manor for many generations, untU a daughter of its last possessor brought it by marriage to Arscott of Annery. The impalement of Courtenay has relation possibly to Elizabeth daughter of Humphry Courtenay, seventh son of Sir PhUip Courtena)^ of Powderham, by Elizabeth daughter of Lord Hungerford. She married Thomas Carew of Bickleigh, his son John married Gilbert St. Clere's daughter, but died without issue 1580. The Courtenays held the hundred of Budleigh by grant of the crown in 1337 ; they also held a small manor in the parish, probably Dalditch. The arms of Courtenay, together with Bishop Lacy's, occur in the antient stained glass in the Chancel window. PARISH CHURCHES OF NORTH DEVON. 131 John Carew, who married Gdbert St. Clere's daughter, is buried in Bickleigh Church ; the inscription on his monument there is thus given in Prince's Worthies : — " A remembrance of John Carew, Esquire, who died A.D. 1588. Marmora, nee tumuli, grandesve ex asre colossi, Nee genus aut proavi, nobile nomen habent. Buccina nobilium virtus sit, claraque vitas Postera transactas gens canit acta bene." The impalement of Chiverston (apparently the only memento left in the County to this antient family) follows Courtenay. Sir John Chiverston, Knt., married Joan fourth daughter of Hugh de Courtenay Earl of Devon, by his wife Eleanor Bohun. The Lady Joan Chiverston was buried in the Augustine Friar's Church, London. — (Cleveland). Dying without issue, Sir John Chiverston gave all his lands to his father-in-law, through whom it came to the Powderham branch. Pole narrates, " In King Henry 7 tyme, Sr John Halgewell, a courtier and favorit, drew this (lands at Chiverston in Kenton) and ye other lands in question being next heire of Chiverston (vid) the sonne of Walter, sonne of Thomas, sonne of the sister of Sir John Chiverston. After a long and chargeable suite it was by arbitrament concluded, yt Sir WUUam Courtenay should pay unto Sr John HalweU or HalgaweU, one thousand pounds in the towre of London, which accordingly was donne, and the money payd in smaU penc. It is deUvered by tradicion that he used great frugalyty ridinge always but with one man, wher his adversary was attended on with twenty." This " frugal " Sir WUUam was son of Sir WUliam and Margaret BonviUe ; he married Cicely daughter of Sir John Cheney of Pincourt, in Pinhoe. 2nd shield: — 1. Five fusils in bend, (Raleigh of FardeU) impaling ; 2. Three rests (GrenviU). These are probably the arms of Wymond Raleigh, a descendant of the antient house of Raleigh of Smallridge, Axminster, and subsequently of FardeU, Cornwood, grandfather to the celebrated Sir Walter Raleigh. He married Jane daughter of Sir Thomas n Bench-end, East Budleigh. 132 SEPULCHRAL EFFIGIES IN THE Bench-end, East Budleigh Grenvill, whose effigy is in Bideford Church. They were connected with Budleigh by their residence at Hayes (or Poer-Hayes), which they held on lease from the Dukes of Otterton, and where Sir Walter was born. The antient gravestone in the nave (subsequently noticed) may perhaps be referred to Joan wife of Walter Raleigh, grandmother of Wymond. She is stated by Pole to have been a daughter of Hach of Woolegh, but he does not give her name. 3rd shield: — 1. Three battle axes. — (Dennis) impahng; a unicorn rampant. Probably the arms of Sir Robert Dennys of Holcombe Burned, who, although he was not directly connected with Budleigh, held considerable property in the adjoining parish of Bicton, which he purchased of Coplestone. From Dennys it came to Sir Henry BoUe of Stevenstone, who married Anne Dennys, daughter and co-heir of Sir Thomas Dennys, son of Sir Bobert. Dennys RoUe his son died 1638, and to him there is a noble monument with his effigies, and epitaph by Dr. Fuller, in Bicton Church. 4th shield : — Within a bordure indented, parted per fess, a greyhound current in chief, an owl in base. (Ford). — Crest: — On an esquires helmet, on a wreath, a greyhound's' head ca- boshed, collared, ivithin an oak wreath, fructed. These are the arms of Ford of Bagtor. " The Priory of Polsloe," says Pole, " had here a manor called Bud leigh, after the dissolution sold to St. Clere of Tud- well, and by Gabriel St. Clere sold unto Thomas Ford of Bagtor, Esq., and by him sold to Sir John Popham, Kt., Chief Justice of the King's Bench." John Ford of Ashburton (ob. 1539) married for his third wife the widow of Gilbert St. Clere ; his son, George of Ilsington (Bagtor), by his- second wife Joan, daughter of William Walrond, married Jane Bench-end, East Budleigh. PARISH CHURCHES OF NORTH DEVON. 133 daughter of Gilbert St. Clere (Visitation, 1620). The Thomas Ford spoken of by Pole appears to have been the son of George. This John Ford was probably considered Lord of the Manor at the time these fine benches were erected, and this seems to be indicated not only by the more complete way in which his arms are shewn, but also from the occurrence of a further circumstance which apparently relates to him. On another of the bench ends is a blank shield, supported by two grey hounds, above is a helmet and wreaths. Below on a label is the . date when the benches were placed there, "A.D. 1534." AU the persons whose arms are given were doubtless joint contributors to the good work. Littleham. — On this fine screen, now considerably defaced, are shields exhibiting these monograms : — "AS." "N.C." "J.S." "J.C." "A.C." "A." Others display the Bourehier knot, a square or true love knot, emblematic probably of faith or trust, and a circular twisted knot, symbolical of eternity. Dr. Oliver says, "the J.C. may possibly stand for John Cobethorn, Dean of Exeter; J.S. for John Saunder, elected abbot of Sherborne in 1459." The N.C., or G.N. it may be, perhaps for Bishop George Nevill 1456-76. The Dean and Chapter of Exeter are Patrons . of the Vicarage. Skreen, Littleham Church, circa A.D. 1460, rr 134 SEPULCHRAL EFFIGIES IN THE Wyke. Axmouth. — Roger Wyke, a younger son of the house of Cock- tree, South -Tawton, purchased the demesne of Bindon of Nicholas Bach, temp. Henry IV. William Wyke (the original name of whose family appears to have been Wray), married Katharine daughter and heiress of John BurneU of Cocktree ; he had issue Richard, and Roger of Bindon, Axmouth, " which, as also their posterity, gave BurneU's coat of arms." — (Pole). The arms proper of Wyke of Cocktree were, Ermine, three battle axes erect, sable ; of Wyke of Bindon, a chevron ermine, between three burnels (blackbirds'?) proper. — (Pole). This latter coat is evidently the arms of BurneU adopted by Wyke, and assimdates with those found at Bindon. The other two shields exhibit a double aUiance between Wyke and Hody : — (argent) a fess indented within, point in point, (vert and sable) within two barrulets (sable and vert) a mullet pierced for difference. Andrew Hody of Nethway, Brixham, married Joan daughter of BurneU of Pointingdon ; John Wyke married a daughter of Sir WUliam Hody. The four daughters of Richard Wyke of Bindon married Giffard, Barry, Hayes, and Erie, temp. Henry VIII. The Erles, doubtless, subsequently partiaUy rebuUt Bindon. The three shields were discovered during some At Bindon, Axmouth. recent alterations. Roger Wyke obtained from Bishop Edmund Lacy, 16 July, 1425, a license to have a chapel within his manor house of Bindon, Axmouth. The old domestic oratory still remains in a very perfect state, with its oak screen, tabernacled niche, carved piscina, and pointed east window. A chantry at the east end of the south aisle of Axmouth Church, probably belonged to the Wykes, in it is a monument to the wife of Sir Thomas Erie, grandson of Walter Erie (ob. 1581), who married Mary daughter of Roger Wyke of Bindon. It is thus inscribed : — PARISH CHURCHES OF NORTH DEVON. 135 " Here lye the bodyes of Dame Anne Erie, wife of Sir Thomas Erie, and of Thomas Erie theire onely sonne, and heire, — two rare patternes, the one for her pietye, the other for his wisdome and abylityes; she was heire to Francis Dymmock of Erdington in the County of Warwick, Esquire; the sonne dyed June the 1st, 1650, — the mother the 26th Jany. 1653." Thomas the son married Susanna daughter of Wdliam Viscount Saye and Sele. His son General Thomas Erie dying without issue male, the name became extinct. He commanded in Flanders and Ireland during the wars of King WiUiam and Queen Anne, in 1714 was made Lieu- tenant-General of the Ordnance, Governor of Portsmouth and South Sea Castle, and Privy CounseUor. He was of Charborough, Dorset, (which property the Erles inherited also from their aUiance with Wyke), and died in 1720. Arms of Erie : — Gules, three escallops within a bordure argent. The initials, and apparently a merchant's mark, of Anthony Giffard who married Elizabeth, another daughter of Richard Wyke, may be seen on the old chimney of their former residence in the village, thus : — - A.G. 1570. E.W.G. I 5 GOD GIVETH ALL Courtenay, Sampford- Courtenay. — In the roof of the nave are two Ir" Bosses, Sampford Courtenay Church. 136 SEPULCHRAL EFFIGIES IN THE bosses near its eastern extremity, on these are busts male and female, and evidently designed to represent some members of the Courtenay famdy who doubtless rebudt the Church. The Earl is represented with a square cut beard, and his hair arranged in rods or puff's, on his head a coronet with fleur-de-lys on the spikes. The Countess wears a crenelated head dress, with cover-chief, and on the coronet are alternate leaves and flowers on spikelets. Two other bosses near have the boar, and the arms of Courtenay sculptured on them. Goodwyn. Plymtree. — In the Fordmore aisle on a bench end is a shield with a variation of the merchant's mark of the woollen trade on it, inter twined with the letter G. This is the device probably of Thomas Goodwyn who purchased considerable property in the parish of Henry Hastings, Earl of Huntingdon, inclusive of the advowson. — (Pole). His arms were : argent, on a bend gules, three mascles argent, between two demi lions saliant sable. — (Westcote). This device is also found on the parapet, Ottery S. Mary. Bench-Ends, Plymtree and ^ Ashwater. Arscott? Ashwater. — A shield on one of the bench ends exhibits the biretta or priest's cap, and a monogram intended probably for T. A. Perhaps in remembrance of one of the famdy of Arscott, who was, it may be presumed, Vicar of the parish at the time. In the pedigree of the family given by Westcote several members of this famUy appear to have been priests. St. Clere. Clyst-IIidon.- — Over the doorway of the finely groined porch of this Church is the achievement of St. Clere, formerly lords of this parish by inheritance from Hidon. — PARISH CHURCHES OF NORTH DEVON. 137 1. Tlie sun in his splendour — (St. Clere) quartering; 2. A fess between three griffins' heads — (Halse) ; 3. A fess engrailed between three mullets pierced — (TidweU); 4. Three roundels, a label of three— (Courtenay.) The St. Cleres were of TidweU, East Budleigh ; a simUar achievement is found on the bench ends of the Church there. Coplestone. Colebrooke. — The north or Coplestone aisle of this Church was probably added about the middle of the fifteenth century by John Coplestone, whose arms are on the eastern capital of the arcade, and whose gravestone occurs in the centre of the pavement. The race of Coplestone is of very antient origin, celebrated in the weU known distich : — " Crocker, Cruwys, and Coplestone, When the Conqueror came were found at home." And Pole speaks, of them as "an emynent famUy in this shire, that after ward grew into greatness, and albeit they had great mariages in lands, yeat hath not any of that famyly bine knighted, and therefore they received the name of SUver Spurr, and for their great revenue called the Great Coplestone." There is a very handsome oak skreen, of somewhat later date, at the east end of the aisle, with rich fret-work and panels. There was doubtless a votive altar within this enclosure, and in it was also the- antient prie ¦dieu for the lord's use at his devotions. This chantry has recently been neatly swept and garnished, and the remains of the prie dieu, with its quaintly carved bench ends and old lockers, instead of being carefuUy repaired and reinstated, are now thrust outside to decay and neglect. 'The bench ends display two large allegorical figures of savage men armed Bench-Ends, Colebrooke. 138 SEPULCHRAL EFFIGIES IN THE with clubs, one scaled and the other haired, and each supports a shield, one Coplestone, — a chevron engrailed between three leopards' faces, the other Gorges, — a gorge, or whirlpool, but of very strange shape. These figures, and their different covering, sylvan and maritime, doubtless have allusion to the two titles belonging to the person who erected them and the skreen, who was styled "of Warleigh, (Tamerton-FoUiot,) and Coplestone, by right of his patrimony through Gorges and Coplestone." The gravestone is thus inscribed : — "J£)ic jacet fohes Coplesto armt's' qui obiit ... timo ... ano bnt. millo. cccclb ur: et£i. qui obiit bectmo nono hit 3funtt ano bni millo. cccclbij." From the date on this stone it appears to relate to John Coplestone, Esquire, who marrried Elizabeth daughter of John Hawley of Dartmouth (ob. 1408), the eminent merchant, whose fine brass effigies with those of his wives, are in the Chancel of Dartmouth Church. Philip Coplestone his son, married Anne daughter of John BonviUe of Shute, by his wife Joan, daughter of John Gorges of Warleigh, Tamerton- FoUiot, a descendant of the family whose effigies are in the Church there. By this match the Coplestones subsequently inherited Warleigh, and it is probable that PhUip Coplestone, or one of his immediate successors, added the skreen and prie dieu. Engravings of both bench ends are found in a former Paper in these Transactions. In the south transept are two antient ogee arched monumental cano pies, but the gravestones, once under them, are gone. Kirkham. Ashcombe and Feniton. — -On the capital of the pdlar of the first arch of the nave at -Ashcombe are the arms of Kirkham : — three lions rampant gules, within a bordure engirdled sable. (OUver). Probably for Sir John Kirkham (Sheriff of Devon 1522,) of. Blagdon, Paignton, and Ashcombe, some of whose immediate predecessors are perhaps represented by the effigies in the beautiful monumental skreen at Paignton. This Sir John Kirkham married fourthly, Jane daughter and co-heir of PARISH CHURCHES OF NORTH DEVON. 130 WiUiam Malherbe of Feniton, and rehct of Richard Ferrers of Feniton. The wdl of this Lady "Jane Kyrkham widdowe " was proved March 20th 1554. She desires to be buried in the Church of Feniton, appoints her son George Kyrkham sole executor, leaves to his daughter Elizabeth a standing cup with cover gilted, and to James Kyrkham £20. — (Oliver.) Thomas, the eldest son of Sir John, married Margaret Ferrers, daughter of this Lady Jane, his father's fourth wife. George Kirkham (the executor) married Margaret daughter of Sir Thomas Dennis of Holcombe-Burnell. A gravestone in front of the communion raUs in Feniton Church records her death : — " i^ere Ipetb Jflargaret mpfe of tc jacet corpus ©iult anestofcr be garbburp generosi, qui obiit 13 Ut Jftarcii. anno. bom. 1614. €i me bisre precor, bibere bisce mori. anno. bom. 1622." They had one daughter Margaret, married to William Drake, son of John Drake of Ashe, Esq. He died in 1635 and was buried in the Temple Church, and his descendants subsequently settled at Yardbury. Arms of Westofer : — sable, fretty or, impaling Kirkham. Courtenay, Peter. Bislwp of Exeter and Winchester. — The beautiful chimney piece in the Bishop's Palace, Exeter, was the work of this eminent prelate, who was third son of Sir Philip Courtenay of Powderham, and Elizabeth daughter of Lord Hugerford, and brother to Sir WiUiam Courtenay who married Margaret Bonville. Bishop Peter Courtenay, who, according to Cleveland, was a great bene factor toward the rebuilding of S. Michael's Church, Honiton, died 20 140 SEPULCHRAL EFFIGIES IN THE December 1491, but it does not seem clear where he was buried. His motto, says Isacke, was " Quod verum tutum ; " he was consecrated Bishop of Exeter 1479, and translated to Winchester nine years afterward. He is said to have given the clock and great Peter bell to the Cathedral, and contributed so largely to the rebudding Honiton Church, where are his arms on the pillars, and those of his parents in the window. On Chimney Piece, the Palace, Exeter. On Pillars, Honiton Church. The noble heraldic mantle or chimney piece is about ten feet high by eight wide, the central finial consists of the arms of France and England with the Garter, on which is the motto, surmounted by the arched crown of Henry VII, and supported by the coUared greyhounds of Elizabeth of York, his consort. Beneath is the portcullis of Beaufort from whom the King was descended ; this badge is repeated on the dexter column, its opposite being the double rose, marking the union in his person of the two houses of York and Lancaster. Beneath the royal arms is a jeweUed mitre with richly fringed infulce between the sword and keys addorsed in saltire, the arms of the See of Exeter, and above and on the sides is the Tan or S. Anthony's cross. The motto referring to SS. Peter and Paul the patron saints of the Cathedral is : — " Colompne Ecclesie et veritatis precones" Immediately under the mitre are the arms of the See of Exeter impaled with Courtenay, differenced with the label charged with nine plates or annulets, shewing the Bishop's descent from the fifth son of the elder house, Philip of Powderham, whose parents were Hugh Courtenay and Margaret Bohun. This shield is encircled by three dolphins naiant and embowed, one of the distinctive badges of Courtenay, and in the corners are the three sickles conjoined of Hungerford, and the wheat sheaf of Peverell, the ensigns of the family of the Prelate's mother. Within the PARISH CHURCHES OF NORTH DEVON. On Chimney Piece, the Palace, Exeter. mouldings is the Tau cross and bell. The dexter circle encloses the Bishop's arms supported by two swans collared and chained, the cognizance of Bohun from whom he was descended. Above on a scroU are the words : — " Honor Deo et Regi." Below on another : — " Arma Petri Exon Epi." The sinister circle contains the arms of Courtenay impaled with Q On Chimney Piece, the Palace, Exeter. 142 SEPULCHRAL EFFIGIES IN THE Hungerford, the supporters being the other badge of the family, two boars bristled and tusked, collared for distinction, with the label and plates or annulets. The scroll above has the motto on the dexter side repeated, below is : — " Arma Patris et Matris." The Bishop's initials P. C. and the Tau cross are repeated several times. Hankford. Monkleigh. — In the Annery aisle of Monkleigh Church is a canopied tomb, above is an arch of three cusps, surmounted by a cornice richly ornamented with vine tracery and mouldings, below, the tomb is enriched with arcaded panels, the cover is a large slab of grey marble with the matrix of the brass remaining, but there are no arms or inscrip tion left. This tomb is said by Westcote and Risdon to be the burial place of Sir WiUiam Hankford, Chief Justice of the King's Bench, and Knight of the Bath, of Annery in this parish. Risdon gives a circumstantial account of this monument. " In this Church Sir William Hankford Ueth honorably interred having a fair monument erected to his memory with this inscription, inlaid in brass : — " Die jacet aBtlltelmus ^anltforb, miles, quonbam Capitals 3Jttstieiarius Domini iRegts be 3Sanco; qui obiit 12m0 bte mensis Decembris 1422, cujus anima? propicietttr £>eus. He is pourtraited kneeling in his robes, together with his own match and the match of some of his ancestors insculpt thereon in brass, out of the mouth of whose statue proceeds this prayer : — "Miserere mei Deus secundum magnam misericordiam tuam." " Over his head is this : — " Beati qui custodiunt judicium et faciunt justiciam in omni tempore." " A book in his hand hath this : — " Miserere mei Deus secundum magnam justiciam divinam." Near unto the former is Sir Richard Hankford, his son's statue, in armour, kneeling, on whose surcoat his arms ; then the portraiture of his PARISH CHURCHES OF NORTH DEVON. 143 mother on whose upper vestments Hankford's and Stapledon's armories are curiously cut in brass." This Sir Richard Hankford had a son of the same name, who married EUzabeth daughter of Fulk Lord Fitzwarren, and his daughter and heiress Thomazine married William Bourehier (created Lord Fitzwarren) second son of WUliam Bourehier, Earl of Essex and Eu, by his wife Anne Plantagenet (he was her third husband) daughter of Thomas of Woodstock, Duke of Gloucester, youngest son of Edward III. They, together with their son Fulk Bourehier, Lord Fitzwarren, and grandson WUUam Bourehier, who was created Earl of Bath in 1535, were senulchred in Bampton Church ; and others of the Earl's descendants repose under the beautiful monuments in the Chancel of Tawstock Church. "The arms and quarterings of John Bourehier, second Earl of Bath, who died at Hengrave, Suffolk, in 1560, are over the priest's door in the Chancel aisle (which he probably rebuilt) of Tawstock Church, impaling those of his Countess Eleanor, a daughter of the house of Rutland. On the left lower corner of the shield appears the peacock, an emblem of eternity, and on the other side a swan, probably an emblem of purity, in reference to the Countess." — (Harding.) The Earldom of Bath became extinct on the death of Henry fifth Earl, Lord Privy Seal to Charles I ; he died in 1654, and was buried at Tawstock. Anne Bourehier, daughter and co-heir of Edward, fourth Earl and widow of James Cranfield, Earl of Middlesex (ob. 1652, and buried in Westminster Abbey) married secondly, Sir Chichester Wrey of Trebigh, Cornwall, baronet, from whom the present famdy are descended. Arms of Hankford — Sahle, a chevron barry wavy argent and gules; Fitzwarren — quarterly, per fess indented argent and gules ; Bourehier — argent, a cross engrailed gules, between four water bougets sable. Fitzwarren. Wantage. — The manor of Wantage, Berkshire, belonged to the Fitzwarrens, and the parish Church, says Lysons, " was built either whoUy, or in part by benefactions of the Fitzwarren family. In the roof are the arms of Fitzwarren, and the royal arms ; in the north aisle are Hankford quartering Fitzwarren, Archbishop Bourehier 's arms, and Bourehier impaling Hankford. In the Chancel is an altar tomb which has the 144 SEPULCHRAL EFFIGIES IN THE effigies of one of the Fitzwarrens, with the order of the Garter, supposed to be that of Sir Fulk Fitzwarren, who has been caUed the Founder of the Church, but it may be observed that Sir Fidk is known to have been buried at Whittington. Perhaps it might have been intended for Sir WiUiam Fitzwarren, who was also a Knight of the Garter, being the forty-seventh in succession from the first institution of the Order; Sir Fulk Fitzwarren was the fifty-first. Against the wall of the north aisle is a brass of Sir Ivo Fitzwarren, descended from a younger branch of the same famdy, who died in 1414. This Sir Ivo attended the Earl of Bucking ham in his expedition to the coast of France, and was with him at the siege of Nantes." The brass effigy of Sir Ivo Fitzwarren represents him in early plate armour with roundels at the shoulders and elbows, hip-belt and long sword. At his feet is this inscription : — " In geia et mta M, W jacet Bo jTit^toarpn miles qui obiit serto ait mensis ^eptembris, anno bnt millo ccccrtitj, cuius amine propictetur beus. 8men." Sir John Chideock of Chideock (ob. 1426) probably married Eleanor, a daughter of this knight. Effigies of Fitzwarren, Wantage Church. The effigy of the Knight of the Garter "is of alabaster, his legs are crossed and his arms are folded on his breast ; his lady has her hands lifted in prayer. Scarcely a fragment remains of the arched canopy which formerly covered the tomb, and the effigies are sadly disfigured."— (Relton.) Colcombe CWe.— This venerable ruin may be said to be the cradle of PARISH CHURCHES OF NORTH DEVON 145 the Courtenay family, having been originaUy built by Hugh de Courtenay, first of that name, Baron of Okehampton, about the latter part of the thirteenth century. "Lord Hugh," says Cleveland, "added Whitford and CoUiton to the inheritance of his ancestors, the moiety of which he had from his uncle WUUam de Courtenay, who had them with his lady, a daughter of Thomas Bassett, and the other moiety he purchased himself, Colcombe Castle. and he budt a house at Colecombe in CoUiton parish, and died there February 28, 1291, 19th Edward I, and was buried at Co wick near Exon," great animosity existing between him and the community at Ford Abbey. His wife, daughter of Hugh de Spencer, Earl of Winchester, " Uved a widow above thirty years, and governed her house at Colecombe with great prudence. At length going from Kent to London she fell sick and died, 2nd Edward III, 1 October, 1328, and was buried near her husband at Cowick." Here also lived during his father's lifetime Hugh de Courtenay, Junior (third baron of Okehampton, and second Earl of Devon of that name), who married Margaret Bohun and whose effigies are in the Cathedral; the deed of this nobleman (previously noticed) belonging to the Colyton Chamber of Feoffees, being dated from Colcombe, where he doubtless then resided, in 1340. 146 SEPULCHRAL EFFIGIES IN THE Henry Courtenay, Marquis of Exeter, was engaged in rebudding the Castle, when the axe of the executioner overtook him. Escheated to the crown, various people appear to have lived there, untU Queen Mary restored all such lands as had not been alienated to Edward, Earl Cour tenay, who died at Padua, when the interest in it of the four heiresses of the family was purchased by WiUiam Pole, Esq., of Shute, who settled the Castle on his son the famous Antiquary, and he completed the budding the unfortunate Marquis of Exeter had begun, and dweUed there. It was destroyed in a foray during the Civil War, and subsequently turned into a farm house, and still remains the property of the Antiquary's descendants. The older portion of the Castle is now an interesting ruin. In a field above the ruins is an antient weU, it has an arched doorway with shields and foliage in the spandrds, now much denuded. A fine spring of water rises within the arched recess. V < ' I r '"'i.i'VLV/v. ^'%i/:#W/u. fPl d& iQ&uzkti mffi.¥z&:. ''':.;h V-rvcs* *f[-~^~ I ¦ --^(ic's^ '•" r,v h-r,\ > <¦ .^'-^ff/?'C 7 --traugetoaies, armigeri, et Dorotjja uroris sue, filie fohannis arunDri militiS; nee non 3foI;ana tiror prebict. Cgib. et filia gobannts Jftorbant, militt's. ©gibitts obiit bte xi Decembris mcccccilbij. Cujus ate pptiietttr D'. amen." Henry, his son, died during his father's life time, 1544. On a large stone at the west end of the Church on the right is an escutcheon of brass containing the arms of Strangeways quartered with Stafford, Matra vers, Aumarle, BevUle, St. Martin, Cifrewast, impaling, Manners, Ross, Belvoir, Trushut, Beauchamp, Newburgh, Bukley, and Lisle. Over is this inscription : — " Cbe arms of Jpenrp <#>trangemaies ©squier, robo aita at tbe siege of 35olepgne, anb of jMargaret bis mile battgbter of tbe Lorb George Boss." On the left the arms and quarterings before mentioned, impahng Wadham, Popham, Chiselden, St. Martyn, Walrond, and two others. Above is : — " €fyt armes of g>pr <$ilt£ g>trangetoaies, &t, anb of Habj) ifone bis topfe, tbe elbest baugbter of 3tobn COabbam of Jfterefplbe, esquper." In the middle of the same stone is the portraiture of a man in armour, in brass, and below this inscription : — " f^ere Ipetb &yt ®iles ^trangeVoaies, fenigbt, mhvi tyta tbe elebentb bap of &pril in tbe pere of our Lorb <£>ob a tbottsanb fibe bunbreb three score anb too." (Hutchins). This Joan Wadham was daughter of John Wadham also of Edge, Branscombe, and Joan Tregarthin his wife, whose monument is in Branscombe Church. Arms of Strangeways — Sable, two lions passant, in pale of six argent and, gules. 152 SEPULCHRAL EFFIGIES IN THE In the north transept of the Church of Christchurch, Hants, is a ruinous freestone monument with a figure of a knight and lady, ascribed to the Chideocks. He is in armour with a collar of SS over his gorget, his hair cropt, and a lion at his feet. She has the mitred head dress of the fourteenth century. No inscription or arms on the tomb. (Hutchins). An anonymous historian of Dorset, writing in 1579, thus refers to tombs in Stourton-Candel Church, "In the body on the north wall lyeth buried Sir Symon Chidiock in a castle-arched tomb gdded, being sometime owner of the same [referring to a castle in this parish] having two daughters and heirs whereof the Lord Stourton married (as it is thought) the eldest, and the ancestor of SU John Arundel, Kt., of the west, over whose tomb these arms be placed. A coat beareth quarterly dancette, gules and ermine, (Fitz- Warm) ; another, three standing cups in triangle or; another, or, on a chief embattled gules, three leopards' faces or." Probably for Sir John Chidiock (ob. 1436) who married Eleanor daughter of Ivo Fitz-Warin, and father of Sir John Chidiock (ob. 1450) who left two daughters only, his heiresses, married to Stourton and Stafford. According to this old historian there was another tomb of alabaster in this (Stourton-Candle) Church to the wife of Lord Edward Stourton, brother to the Lord William Stourton whose effigy is in Stourton Church, Wdts, before described. Hutchins says there is now only a statue of alabaster with the hands erected, veiled, and beads about her neck, in an arch of the wall ; and near her is a smaU statue of alabaster with the head broken off, at the right hand three escutcheons but the brasses gone. John Lord Stourton (ob. 1463) was created Baron Stourton by patent 26 Henry VI. (1448), His son William Lord Stourton died 1478. WUUam third Lord Stourton died 1522, and his son Charles with four of his servants were hung at Salisbury in 1557, for the murder of one HartgiU and his son, whom they slew and buried in the cellar of Stourton Castle. Lord Stourton was hung with a silken cord and his body buried in St. Mary's Chapel, Salisbury Cathedral. His tomb has been removed to the nave and still exists there. The fine effigy of a crusader, in chain mad, in Bridport Church is. traditionally said to be a Chideock. PARISH CHURCHES OF NORTH DEVON. 153 Old Shute House. — It is doubtful if any portion of the antient mansion of the r BonvUles now remains. The parts of the old house at present existing, consist of the gateway, and one wing of the mansion, now SsH&* Gateway, Old Shute House, converted into a farm house. These were probably erected, or re-edified, by WUUam Pole, Esq., the first possessor about the middle of the sixteenth century, the other parts of the edifice were demolished in 1787, and the materials employed on the new mansion. This Wdliam Pole (ob. 1587) was the father of the Antiquary. His arms, azure, semee of fleur de lis, a Hon rampant argent, quartering, Pole of Cheshire, or, a stag's face gules, are over the gateway, and his initials W. P. occur on the spandrils of the doorway leading up the turret stairs. He is buried under a high tomb in the south Chancel aisle of Colyton Church, where there is a large genealogical shield displaying the numerous alliances of this antient famUy, and this inscription on a brass plate allusive to them : — " f^ere lirtfj tfje iiobg of TOilltam $ole, late of Sfcttte, l£gq., beceaseb, folja marrieb Katergn, baujjfjt. of &leianber $opl)'m of p^untfoortfj, ffigq., tfje saib ©Hm. foas sonne of W.m. ano of &gnes, taugijter of 3ofjn ©xafee of aafte, toJjt'cJ} OTm. foas sonne of 3ofm antt of iEm'tlj, baiutJbt. of 3&gcj)arb SCgtijerleitft of STgtfjeTleigl), tobci) Soljn foas sonne of Sofjn anb of Sane ijts forte, ba. of Robert KTobe of Cornfoall, txjfjcb 3"^ foas sonne of &tuire anb of So^an, ba. anb ftetre of Soijn $ale, foj&irfj &rture inas secant) sonne of &r. OTm. Pole of $ole in TOt'rral, in tfjs ffountg of Cfcester, nnigfjt, anb of fjis forte, ba. of Sr. OTHIiam iHaitr* foau'ng of Pgncr, fje fjatfj left oeiu'nb onlg one sonne militant anb one 154 SEPULCHRAL EFFIGIES IN THE baugfrt. nameb JBorollje marieb to Stomas lErle of ffifjarbtougfj, lEsqm'er, ije "Oieti tfje ib. of August, 1o. J 587, ieinge of ifje age of Iixij geares anb tij. bages." Another monument adjoining with the kneeling effigies of a lady and five children commemorates his wife, Katherine (ob. 1588) daughter of Alexan der Popham of Huntworth, Esq.; a simdar memorial on the opposite side, the wife of her son the Antiquary, Mary, daughter of Sir WiUiam Periham of Fulford, Knight, Lord Chief Baron of the Exchequer. The inscription to Lady Mary Pole records the foUowing : — " Heere lyeth ye body of Mary late wyef of Sr. Wm. Pole of Shute, Knig. beinge ye eldest daughter and on of ye foure heires of Sr. Wm. Periham of Folford Kng : Lo : Chief Baron of ye Kinge Maiesties Excheqvev, shee left be hind her 4 sones and five davghters vnto her saide husband, viz:— John, Periham Will: andFrauncis, sones, — and Mary, Katherine, Elizabeth, Ann, and Elioner, daughters shee brought vnto him also 2 other sones, viz, Will : her fviste child and Arthure beinge one of ye 3 sones which shee brought at one birth, and perished by an vnfortvnate fall, she dyed ye 2nd of May in ye yeare of our Lord, 1605, being then of the age of 38 and on month, and mar ried vnto her hvsband 22 years and term months." Effigy of Mary, Lady Pole, Colyton Church. ob. 1605. The Perihams appear to have been a family of merchants settled in Exeter, and of considerable wealth and civic importance. William Periham elected Mayor, 1532; John Periham, 1563, and died during a second term of office, 1572 ; John Periham (son probably of the foregoing) 1587-98. Lord Chief Baron Periham, or Periam, was brother probably to the last PARISH CHURCHES OF NORTH DEVON. 155 mentioned John Periham. He is buried in the choir of Crediton Church, where there is a high tomb and his effigy in alabaster, clad in his robes and with collar of SS. The epitaph records that " he was made one of the Justices of the Court of Common Pleas, and from thence in A.D. 1592 was called to be Lord Chief Baron of the Exchequer." He married three wives, his last " being Elizabeth, daughter of Sir Nicholas Bacon, Lord Keeper of the Great Seal." He left four daughters by his second wife, " and died 9 October A.D. 1605, in the 70th year of his age, much and worthily reverenced for his religious zeal, integrity, and profound knowledge of the laws of the realm." Arms of Periam — gules, a chevron engrailed, between three leopards' heads or. The Antiquary is interred in the aisle at Colyton near his wife, but there is no memorial to him of any kind. The Begister records he llii I W 1§ n,m 1 mm Sir William Pole. Knt., the Antiquary, ob. 1635.— From the original painting at Shute House. was buried 10 March 1635. A large canopied classic tomb near, with recumbent effigies, is erected to his son the' first Baronet, Sir John Pole, and his wife Elizabeth (ob. 1628) daughter of Boger How, merchant, of London. 9. 156 SEPULCHRAL EFFIGIES IN THE Wynard. Luppit. — " During the government of Abbot Trystram Crucherne of Newenham the right of presentation to the Vicarage of Luppit was again disturbed (it had been a frequent source of dispute), and the Abbot was compelled to bring a writ of ' quare impedit ' against Sir Nicholas Carew. The result, after a troublesome litigation, was in the Abbot's favour, who presented Bichard Somervylle to the living, at the request it is said of William Wynard, Sir Nicholas Carew, and others." (Davidson). This was between the years 1432-56. In the south transept of Luppit Church is the gravestone of Joan the wife of this WUliam Wynard, who was doubtless a man of influence in the Parish : — "$ic jacet Sfoljan uror Wiiiil aBenarb et filia Bfob's 38eb»le, cujus aie ppciet bs." There is good reason to suppose this to be the grave of Joan Bevdle the wife of WiUiam Wynard, Becorder of Exeter in 1404, and Founder of the Alms Houses known as " God's House " in that city, and this is confirmed by the Bevdle arms being quartered with Wynard in the memo rial tablet found in the Chapel of "God's House," in Magdalen Street, Exeter. This tablet records as follows : — " Hcec nova structura retinens habitacula plura, Sit ptermansura per tempora long a futura, Debilibus simul ac senibus fuit aedificata, Pauperibus non divitibus fuit ista beata, Hanc qui fundavit, donavit, perpetuavit, Crimina cum davit sua credimus omnia lavit, Constructor cujus pat r he edecus verbis et hujus Atq: Recordator Wynard heu! nomine Willus, Sit domus ista Dei, aut hcec mea non reputetur, Sic baptizetur, sit domus ista Dei, M : C: junge quaU'r sit opus hoc X numera ter, Anno octavo regni regis Henrici Sexti : Annoq: Dili. 1430." Above are three escutcheons ; that in the centre bears : — Quarterly — 1. Argent, on a bend azure, three mullets of the first (Wynard); 2. Courtenay, with label azure charged with nine plates ; 3. Sable, PARISH CHURCHES OF NORTH DEVON. 157 two bars argent, in chief three plates (For Sir Philip Courtenay of Powderham (ob. 1463), and his lady, Elizabeth daughter of Lord Hungerford) ; 4. Argent, a bull passant gules, langued and armed or (Bevdle) ; 5. Argent, two bars azure, over all an eagle displayed (Speke) ; 6. Wynard. The dexter escutcheon : — Wynard, impaling, argent, three bulls' heads couped sable, armed and langued proper (Walrond ?). Sinister escutcheon : — Wynard, impaling, azure, a bend engrailed, argent, cotizcd or (Fortescue). BevUle or BeavUe had representatives located both in Devon and Corn waU. The heiresses of the Cornish branch married Arundel and GrenviUe about 1500 ; and that " Mirrour of Knightood," Sir Bevdle Grenville appears to have acquired the prefix to his patronymic from them. John BevUle was Sheriff of Devon 6 Henry IV, 1403. In the Chancel of Clyst St. George Church is an antient shield of glass displaying the arms of John Wynard, argent, on a bend azure, three mullets argent. "This shield" says the Bev. H. T. EUacombe, "in the old east window filled one of the openings in the head tracery, and from a few fragments of glass in which it was promiscuously worked up, it can be made out most satisfactorily that this memorial window was set up by John Wynard and Isabella his wife, and it appears from the feoffment deeds of the " God's House" in Exeter, that WiUiam Wynard, (Becorder 1404), the pious Founder thereof in 1409, was the son of the said John and IsabeUa. In a deed dated at Clyst St. George 1398, the name of " John Wonard" appears as a witness. The fragments that led to this conclu sion are these, they exhibit merely, *'3f0beS 321 . . . . lla UjT," quite sufficient in connection with such a document as the famdy arms, to prove that such persons once existed." Thomas Chard, Abbot of Ford. — Awliscombe and Ford Abbey. — The beautiful facade at Ford Abbey, over which institution he presided as its last Abbot* remains a splendid memento of this distinguished ecclesiastic, and evidently, as his works attest, accomphshed architect and munificent man. Born probably at Tracy near Awliscombe, Honiton, about the year 1470, he, on entering holy orders, appears to have held several livings in Somerset, q* 158 SEPULCHRAL EFFIGIES IN THE Devon, and CornwaU, and was elected Abbot of Ford, a Cistercian founr dation of which order he was a member, about 1520. Previously to this in 1508 he was appointed suffragan to Bishop Oldham by the title "Episcopus Solubricensis," in 1513 Warden of the CoUege of Ottery St. Mary, and in 1515 Prior of the Benedictine or Cluniac Priory of Montacute, iSomerset ; a large array of preferment, and an arrangement quite in conso nance with the spirit of the time, but which was unquestionably a great evil, and doubtless in the end helped to overthrow the Church of which he was so distinguished a member ; but, from the remembrances of his career that he has left, Abbot-Bishop Chard must have been a worthy and charitable man. He surrendered his Abbey of Ford, 8 March 1539. The frieze of the great hall and cloisters at Ford, and the panels between the windows of the gateway tower, are profusely ornamented with shields bearing the arms and devices of the donors to the monastery, the initials and symbols of Abbot Chard, and the regal emblems of the Monarch Henry VIII, during whose reign he presided over the house. The Bishop's mitre and pastoral staff, the Abbot's Jor Prior's cap and staff, the initials T.C and the Abbot's badge, a buck's head affrontee transfixed palewise by a pastoral staff, occur together or singly aU over the facade. This device of the buck's head was probably adopted in allusion to the name of the scite of the Abbey before it was built thereon, which, Leland says, from its contiguity to the river Axe was called or known as Hert-bath (balneum cervorum) ; the arms of Chard being or and gules quarterly, according to Dr. Pring, a lineal descendant of the Abbot's family, who has published a most interesting monograph of that dignitary. Just below the battlemsnt of the central tower is this inscription : — •' ailo £>fit mtllesima qtttitgesima bic'mo octao 3: £>iio factum est Cboma Cbarb abb." It was Bishop Chard who officiated for Bishop Veysey of Exeter at the splendid obsequies of Katherine Courtenay, daughter of Edward IV, and widow of William Courtenay Earl of Devon, buried at Tiverton in 1527. He was doubtless chosen for this office as being the head of the Monastery of Ford, of which religious foundation the Courtenays' had •always been the great patrons and benefactors. PARISH CHURCHES OF NORTH DEVON. 159 In addition to the munificent restoration of his Abbey, Dr. Chard was not forgetful of the place of his birth. ' Finding the Leper Hospital of St. Margaret (situate on the west road about half a mde out of Honiton) was in decay, he added considerably to the antient endowment, and rebudt the Chapel. And the beautiful porch and adjoining Chantry at Awhscombe, together with the north or Tracy aisle in that Church, are evidently the work of Abbot Chard. The south window of the Chantry is especially fine with its array of bosses and tabernacled niches ; in the east window, of very inferior design, is the figure of St. Boch, on crutches. The sculpture on the capitals of the pillars of the Tracy aisle is good ; on the easternmost is a shield, on which is the sacred heart, surrounded by the crown of thorns, and the pierced feet and hands of the Bedeemer, emblematic probably of the sacred office of the donor. In the east window of the aisle are four dehcately pencilled figures ; among them are SS. Catherine and Barbara, and in the central window is apparently the Abbot's monogram, above which is the pelican in her piety, allusive perhaps to Bishop Fox, who bore this device for his arms, and presided over the see 1488-94. It has been suggested that as Dr. Chard was warden of Ottery CoUege about the time the beautiful Dorset Chapel was budt — 1513-18 — the inspiration of this eminent architect may have materiaUy influenced the splendid design of this fine structure. Where Dr. Chard was buried is not known, but probably in the Chapel of the hospital of St. Margaret near Honiton. Dr. Oliver, who visited this Chapel many years ago, says : " The west door is secured by a large sepulchral slab, to which was formerly affixed a brass plate." It has long since disappeared, but with little doubt once covered the dust of the Abbot-Bishop. Ford Abbey.— The highly ornamental facade of Ford Abbey, so rich in memorial sculpture, has bean deemed worthy of a detailed description. It affords, perhaps, the fins it example of its kind in the West of England. On the frieze of the great hall outside. A series of sculptured panels : — 1. Two angels holding shields with stag's head and crozier, (Abbot Chard) ; 2. Double rose, encircled with the garter, and over, a royal crown : Supporters, Dragon and greyhound (Henry VII). 160 SEPULCHRAL EFFIGIES IN THE The other portion of the frieze is composed of dragons, birds, fighting figures, and scroll-work of renaissance type. Ford Abbey. Central tower. On the panels at the top : — 1. Two angels with staves or maces supporting shield with the initials T.C. and Abbot's cap ; 2 and 3, of simdar character. On the middle course : — 2. Monogram and insignia of Abbot Chard ; 1 and 3, of simdar character but without the mitre. On the lower course, over the gateway arch : — Panel 1. — On shield in central lozenge a lion rampant (De Bedvers) ; around : 1, De Redvers ; 2. Blank ; 3. Barry of five, apparently checquy ; 4. Barry, checquy and plain (De Brionis or De Sap, Baron of Oakhampton). The bearings and marshalling of these arms appear to refer to the descent of the Barony of Oakhampton to Bobert de Courtenay (ob. 1242), who married Mary daughter of Wdliam de Bedvers or Vernon, Earl of Devon, through which alliance his posterity afterward in the person of Hugh de Courtenay (ob. 1340) were raised to that distinguished title. The arms of Bobert de Courtenay, as found on his seal, are described by Pole as bearing, party per pale, checquy the first side, the other plain, over all two bars, being very similar to those over the gateway, and were doubtless adopted by him in right of his wife descending through De Redvers from De Brionis. Robert de Courtenay was buried in the Conventual Church a,s previously described. Panel 2. — The shield in the central lozenge is divided quarterly but PARISH CHURCHES OF NORTH DEVON. 161 blank (probably unfinished) ; it is encircled by the garter with motto. Around : 1 and 2, blank ; 3, an eagle volant, apparently grasping a bundle of sticks; 4, De Bedvers. The^curious device on shield 3 is evidently a badge of Courtenay ; it is exhibited again in alliance with the Com-tenay escutcheon over the cloisters, and is also found on the pillars and porch in Tiverton Church. Cleveland states that Bichard de Redvers, fifth Earl of Devon, was the first that bore the lion rampant, and that his predecessors bore, Gules, a griffin seizing a little beast, or, but this could not be mistaken for the eagle. This Richard de Redvers, or Vernon, was succeeded in the Earldom by his uncle, William de Redvers, whose daughter Mary married Robert de Courtenay. Gateway Tower, Ford Abbey. Panel 3. — The shield in the central lozenge is divided quarterly but blank. Around : 1, Eagle on sticks, as before ; 2, a dolphin (Cour tenay) ; 3, blank ; 4, a swan, clucally gorged and chained (Bohun). AU these shields and devices, occupying the place of honour in the Abbey, relate to the Courtenays as its patrons. Gateway Tower, Ford Abbey 162 SEPULCHRAL EFFIGIES IN THE Frieze of Cloisters.— Over window one, six shields :— 1, 2, and 5, Devices and insignia of Abbot Chard ; 3, Three swords in pile points downward (Poulett) ; 4, A mail gauntlet, holding a dagger, point erect (Poulett); 6, "mm" In the spandrds— 1, " €.#.";. 2, " 3f.li>-" monograms. Cloisters, Ford Abbey. The shields 3 and 4 exhibit the arms and crest of Poulett of Hinton and elsewhere. Abbot Chard appointed Sir Hugh Paulet head steward of the Abbey, with a pension of 100s. The Paulets were aUied to the Courtenays about this time in marriage, Sir WUliam Courtenay of Powderham (ob. 1557) having married Elizabeth daughter of John Paulet, Marquis of Winchester, K.G., and a distinguished nobleman of that era. At the dissolution, the scite of the Abbey was granted to Lewis Pollard, Esq., from whom it passed to Sir Amias Paulet (son of Sir Hugh), who had married Phdippa his daughter. The initials "J.S." probably refer to John Bridgwater alias Stone, (Sub-prior ?) pensioned at the Dissolution with £8 ; " RW." to Richard Exmestre alias Were, one of the religious, pensioned also at £8, or Prior WiUiam Rede. Over window two, four shields, and two in the spandrils. AU charged with devices and monogram of Abbot Chard. Over window three, four shields, devices and monogram of Abbot Chard. In the spandrds — 1, dolphin (Courtenay) ; 2, " C.C." Over window four, three panels, of very interesting character. Panel 1. — In central diamond, stag's head with crozier, over, an episcopal mitre : (Abbot Chard as Bishop Suffragan.) Around four shields — 1 and 2, " CC." Abbot's staff and cap; 3 and 4, "&.&." Panel 2. — In central lozenge, shield quarterly oftfour, Courtenay and De Bedvers, surrounded by the garter with motto. Around PARISH CHURCHES OF NORTH DEVON. 163 four shields — 1, Eagle on the sticks (Courtenay) ; 2, a dolphin (Courtenay) ; 3, a boar (Courtenay) ; 4, a swan (Bohun). Cloisters, Ford Abbey. Panel 3. — In the central lozenge, on the top a Bishop's mitre, below an Abbot's cap ; on the left side a stag's head impaled by a Bishop's pastoral staff or crozier; on the right an Abbot's staff intertwined with a label with " Tho: Chard" inscribed on it. Around, four shields— 1 and 2, " &.C." ; 3, an Abbot's staff; 4, a Bishops crozier. In the spandrds— 1, "&.€."; 2, "£ ." Over window five, four shields — L and 2, Devices of Abbot Chard; 3, Paly of three ( ?) ; 4, " "^."v." and Bisliop's crozier (John Veysey, Bishop of Exeter). In the spandrds, " QL.&." Over window six, four shields with devices of Abbot Chard. In the spandrils — 1, " iR.,JL. (?) " ; 2, Two staves of office and letter §s>. The last shield is probably for (Sub-Prior) John Stone, who perhaps held two offices. Cloisters, Ford Abbey. 164 SEPULCHRAL EFFIGIES IN THE Over window seven, four shields-1 and 2, arms and crest of Paulet; 3, Device of Abbot Chard; 4, " i&. 221." (Prior WiUiam Rede, or for Richard Were an officer of the Abbey). In the span drils— 1, " d. C" ; 2, "JL&." ( ?) Over window eight, and in the spandrils-six shields all charged with the devices of Abbot Chard. On the south end.-The device of Abbot Chard, and the portcullis. (Beaufort). The shield and badges of Courtenay on the central panel over window four of cloister, probably refer to WiUiam Courtenay, Earl of Devon, who married the Princess Katharine daughter of King Edward the 4th, who were living at the time Abbot Chard presided over the community at Ford, whole arms similarly emblazoned are found in Tiverton Church, where the Princess was buried in a chapel she had constructed; Abbot Chard conducting the magnificent obsequies observed at her interment. ttoBt Ford Abbey. In the porch is a corbel with a shield charged with three lions' >or leopards' heads affrontee. This probably came from the Conventual Church. On a shield, on a boss of the roof of the great hall, are the arms of De Clare. PARISH CHURCHES OF NORTH DEVON. 165 "There is given " Unto the things of earth, which Time hath bent, A spirit's feeling, and where he hath leant His hand, but broke his scythe, there is a power And magic in the ruined battlement, For which the palace of the present hour Must yield its pomp, and wait 'till ages are its dower."— Byron. Pomeeoy. Berry-Pomeroy. — On the north side of the Chancel, in the Founder's place, is a high tomb of rich character. The canopy consists of a depressed arch groined within, and above is a string course of vine foliage, finishing with a Tudor flower cresting. The tomb is covered with a slab of dark marble, and below, it is ornamented with a number of quatrefoU panels, the upper series having in their centres, shields displaying the emblems and instruments of the Crucifixion. At the back of the arch are the indents of four kneeling figures with labels proceeding from their mouths, above these are four shields and four chddren, but aU the brasses have disappeared, together with the border fiUet that originaUy ran round the verge of the cover-stone. On the left are the arms of Pomeroy, sculptured on a shield, (or), a lion rampant (gules) within a bordure indented (sable); on the right Pomeroy impaUng Denzell of FiUeigh, (sable) a mullet within the horns of a crescent, (argent). *V On Tomb: Berry Pomeroy. This is the monument of Sir Bichard Pomeroy, Knt., who married Eliza beth daughter and heiress of Bichard Denzell of FiUeigh, and widow of Martin Fortescue, who had issue Sir Edward, created Knight of the Bath at the creation of Henry (afterward King Henry VIII) Prince of Wales, who married Jane daughter of Sir John Sapcots. In the east window of the north aisle are the arms of Pomeroy, impahng, Balegh, gules, a bend lozengy argent ; Pomeroy alone, and vaire, a chief gules (Beaumont ?) These arms probably relate to Sir Henry 166 SEPULCHRAL EFFIGIES IN THE Pomeroy, father of Sir Richard, who mamed first, Alice daughter of Walter Ralegh of Fardel, and secondly, Amy Camel. Many other coats (given in Westcote) formerly had their places in the windows of this Church. In the south porch, which is handsomely groined, on the bosses are the arms of Pomeroy, and two fish naiant, also two human heads, male and female. The male has a coronet, is of large size, with considerable force in the lineaments, and probably represents Edward IV. The female has on a coverchief, and may represent the Queen. Sir Richard Pomeroy was Sheriff of Devon 14 Edward IV (1475), and died 16 Henry VIII (1501). (Pole). A noteworthy circumstance connected with this Church is found on the capitals of the pillars on the northern arcade. On scroUs inserted among the foliage appear the names of those, who, doubtless contributed largely toward the rebuilding this part of the edifice. The foUowing is a transcript as near as possible : — i. 38arlet Carter, £>tonts tijc : ej : 2. EtcarO : (SonOo ; 3lgn : ux : ej : 3. iRtcharOo gtoan, alps ux: en CotoarU: Lane, 3fchan uxx ej: 4. 9oftes. ©oOrcgge, Ikalhcr : uj; : ej : 5. 3fQhes @o0erog: JWabel nx: ej: gofoes JLetor, alps up ej:" 6. et pro omnibus benefacronbus Ijujus open's orate. Goodridge appears to have been a Totnes famdy, their arms, argent, a fess sable, and in chief three crosslets fitchee of the second. Crest, a black-bird proper. (Pole). Smyth. Totnes. — In the Founder's place in the south aisle is a high tomb, with ogee arch and canopy over, supported by embattled buttresses with pinnacles. Below are panels and shields on which are sculptured the initials W. S. and the sacred monogram. On the arch over and across the table on Tomb, Tomes church. of the tomb is this inscription : — PARISH CHURCHES OF NORTH DEVON. 16T j^ere Ipetft Salter g>inpti) tofto Oteo the btt'j Oan of iMieb: tfte nere of otote JLorO mlilli on ftoto : soul <$oa poo :— &ine. The monument had been coloured, traces of which remain. "The town of Totnes" says Pole, "formerly hath had divers men of very good rancke inhabiting the same;" and among others he enumerates Nicholas Smyth who had issue two daughters, one married to Giffard of Halsbury, and the other, Elizabeth, to George Yeo of Hatherleigh. In the Visitation for 1620, John Giffard is said to have married Alice the daughter and heir of Walter Smith of Totnes, and from the same source it is found that a Walter Smith married Jane third daughter of John Withie of Berrynarbour, by his wife Joan daughter of John Jewell of Bowden in Berry. Arms of Smyth of Totnes, — Barry undy of six argent and azure, on a chief gules, three barnacles or. On a flat stone in the Chancel is the following inscription : — > i£>tc jacet ;|oi)es 93etoortI)n quontia hujus ecclte totcants que obtit xU ote Jflarctj The arms of Bishop Lacy (three shoveller's heads) are sculptured on a shield in the spandrd of the doorway of the porch, and his knot is apparently among the painted ornaments on the beautUul skreen. Probably about 1432, when a large portion of the Church was rebuilt, during that Prelate's episcopate. Brerewood. Colyton. Thomas Brerewood, D.D., Canon of Exeter, Archdeacon of Barnstaple, and the holder of thirteen preferments in all, lived co-teniporary with Dr. Chard, Abbot of Ford. Dr. Oliver from his numerous preferments calls him " a cormorant of Church property," and describing the Vicarage at Colyton (one of his benefices) adds, "we were pleased to discover that this vicar had employed part of his abundant means in rebuilding this ' fair house ' as Leland calls it." Of this fair house, only the porch now remains, on the string course over the window is this inscription : — Peot'tatio totunt; meOttatio totum. a.D. tnacccrjcib. 168 SEPULCHRAL EFFIGIES IN THE Below are the arms of Bishop Veysey, his patron; the rose and pomegranate of Henry VIII and Catharine of Arragon ; and shields bearing the devices of the See Panel, Vicarage, Colyton. Vicarage Porch, Colyton. of Exeter; St. Andrew, patron of the Church, and St. George. On other escutcheons is the monogram of the Canon, and his aUusive rebus a bundle of briar- wood and his initials. Some old stained glass still exists in the window, displaying similar devices, St. Andrew supporting his cross, and a label with the inscription "g>ancte Kn&rea ova pro nobis," the arms of the Merchant Adventurers, the grey hounds of York, but the shield gone, &c, &c. Canon Brerewood also erected the handsome stone screen in the south chancel aisle, but it originaUy stood across the south transept forming an en closure used of late years as a vestry, but which was probably originaUy intended as a mortuary Chapel, and where he was possibly buried ; it may be, in the same spot, where a large stone com memorates the burial of his successor in the bene fice a hundred years afterward, John Wilkins (ob. 1667) the Puritan Minister of the Commonwealth, with his quaint epitaph: — PARISH CHURCHES OF NORTH DEVON. 169 Svch pillars layde aside How can the Church abid. Hee left his pvlpit hee In Patmos God to see This shining light can have No place to preach bvts grave. The rebus and initials of the Vicar are on the screen. Canon Brerewood and Abbot Chard were contemporaries, and there is great similarity of treatment in the aisle at Awliscombe, and the side aisles of the Chancel at Colyton, both as regards the tracery in the windows and the carving on the capitals of the pdlars, observ able in both structures. Skreen, Colyton Church. Colyton Church. 170 SEPULCHRAL EFFIGIES IN THE Payhembury. — On the south window of the Chancel, in the spandrils of the arch, are, on the one side, the initials "T.C." knotted together by a cordon with tassels, and over them a canonical cap ; on the other, a pastoral staff and letter C. Perhaps for Thomas Chard, Abbot of Ford, "the manor of Tale in this parish belonged to Ford Abbey, having been given to that monastery by Joscelyn de Pomeray. The Church of Pay hembury was appropriated to the Abbey of Ford." (Lysons.) The Bourehier knot is on the screen, and on a capital of the north aisle are four shields : — 1. Courtenay ; 2. Ferrers ; 3. Malherbe ; 4. a saltire between three plates (Wotton 1) ; and the double rose appears on the bosses of the roof, aU indicative of the benefactors, and period when the Church was rebuilt. A branch of the Willoughbys descending from WUliam, brother of Robert, Lord WiUoughby de Broke, whose effigy is in Callington Church, was located at La Hdl in this parish. Mary (ob. 1689) the last heiress, married Sir George Trevelyan, Bart, of Nettlecombe, Somerset, in 1655. An altar tomb to one of the Wdloughbys, with remarkably quaint un- ¦couth lettering, is in the Churchyard of Southleigh thus inscribed : — Here lieth the body of Henry WiUoughby, who dyed the 28 day of Septr. 1616. At the end are the arms of WiUoughby — 1 and 3, a cross engrailed ; 2 and 4, a cross moline, a crescent for difference. This Henry was probably a brother or son of Richard Wdloughby of MoUand, (ob. 1602), who pur chased La HU1 in Payhembury. John WiUoughby, son of Richard (ob. 1650) purchased the manor of Seaton and its Rectory of John Frye of Wy croft, 3 and 4 Philip and Mary ; through WiUoughby it came to Trevelyan. The old tomb at Southleigh has recently been restored by the representative of the Wdloughbys, Sir W. C. Trevelyan, Bart. Wadham. Rewe, Branscombe, Ilminster, Catherston. — On the handsome bench ends found in this Church (Rewe) are two shields ; on the first :— 1, a chevron, in chief, a rose between two stags' horns (crest of Wadham) impaling, 2, on a chevron three martlets, in base a rose for difference (Chiselden). PARISH CHURCHES OF NORTH DEVON. 171 On the second : — 1, a chevron between three roses (Wadham), impaling, 2, two wings in lure. (Seymour). Bench Ends, Rewe. Third in descent from Sir John Wadham of Edge, Branscombe, the antient seat of this family, was Sir Wdliam Wadham (ob. 1452). He was presumably the first of the Wadhams that was also of Merrifield, Ilminster, and it is probably to him and his mother, that the fine brass effigies of a knight and a lady, on a large high tomb in the transept in Ilminster Church, were erected. He is there represented as habited in a very early suit of complete plate armour (almost identical in appointment with that worn by Thomas de Mohun at Lanteglos), the lady in cover- chief and long robes. Of the inscription only a portion now remains : — stmul cujus oatllmo 2Ua0ftm nlto eaOem qui obitt . . . Ote mensts . . ano Ont mtllnto cccc . . . a qut qutOem aaitllms. The dates were never cut in, but the rose the badge of the family is placed between each word. There is a fine embattled canopy over the figures, and a rhyming Latin inscription at their feet. This WUliam Wadham married Margaret daughter and heiress of John Chiselden of Holcombe Bogus, who held the manor of Rewe, and she brought it to Wadham. The first shield appears to relate to this alliance. John, grandson of Sir William, married first, Elizabeth daughter of Hugh Stukely of Aff'eton, West-Worlington, and secondly, Margaret sister of Sir John Seymour of Somerset. The second shield evidently refers to this second aUiance of John Wadham and Margaret Seymour. John Wadham, grandson of this John, married Joan daughter of John Tregarthin of CornwaU, and widow of John Keleway of Cullompton. They were of Edge, Branscombe, and Merrifield, Ilminster, and she is 172 SEPULCHRAL EFFIGIES IN THE Effigies of Wadham, Ilminster Church, circa 1445. buried in Branscombe Church, where there is a monument to her memory, on which are the small kneeling effigies of herself, between her two husbands, John Wadham in armour, with ruff, spurs and sword, and John Keleway in academic costume. Behind the husbands are the twenty children she bore them, fourteen by her first, and six by her second. Above are three shields, the first, Keleway quarterly of four, impaling Tregarthin, quarterly of six ; the second, a lozenge quarterly of six for Tregarthin ; the third, dexter quarterly of nine, for Wadham allied PARISH CHURCHES OF NORTH DEVON. 173 with Chiselden, Popham, Speke, Heale, and four others, impaling, quarterly of six, for Tregarthin. The inscription, now obliterated, is thus given in Prince : — • Here lieth intombed the body of a virtuous and antient gentlewoman descended of the antient house of the Plantagenets, sometime of Cornwall, namely, Joan, one of the daughters and heirs unto John Tregarthin in the County of Cornwall, Esq. She was first married unto John Kelleway, Esq., who had by her much issue, after his death she was married to John Wadham of Meryfield in the County of Somerset, Esq., and by him had (six) children. She lived a virtuous and godly life, and died in an honourable age, Sep : . . . in the year of Christ, 1581. On the pediment is a rose, as the badge of Wadham. Of Edge, the antient habitation of Wadham at Branscombe, few of the old features of the structure are left. There is a tolerably perfect gable with large transomed Tudor window, a chimney or two, a circular staircase and some massive masonry, that seemed to have belonged to a stUl older budding, the remainder of the edifice has been modernized and rebudt. Nicholas Wadham, one of the sons this fruitful mother bore her second husband, was the Founder of Wadham CoUege, Oxford. He married Dorothy daughter of the celebrated secretary " to four several Princes " Sir WUliam Petre. They are both buried in the transept of Ilminster Church, under a richly ornamented high tomb, on the marble table are their inlaid brass effigies, he is in complete armour, the lady in fardingale and ruff. Above the man's head on a label: — Dtatfc is unto me afifmtttage. Below : — i£>ere Ipetb tnterreO tbe botrp of Btcholas auaobam tobtles he IpbeO.of JflerefielO, in pe countp of ^omersett, Csquter, JFfOunOer of amabbam ColleOge in ©jtforoe, tobo oeparteO tin's Ipft ne XX B&V? of ©ctob: 1609. Above the lady on a label : — I Jnill not toge, *>ut ^H an^ tedaxt ge tootfts of ge ILotoe. Below : — IDere also Itetb p boop of Dorotbte auatiftain, toftroto, tbe uitfe of Nicholas auaUbam, esq: JTounOresse of amao= 174 SEPULCHRAL EFFIGIES IN THE bam Colleoge tn ©rfot&e, iobo Oteo tbe i6t!) jWap, 1618, tn the neat of ber age 84. Above them is a shield exhibiting the arms of Wadham and his aUiances, (as at Branscombe), and at their feet, Wadham impaling Petre. A long laudatory Latin epitaph is also added, and another inscription stating that the monument was restored by Thomas Strangeways and Sir Edward Wyndham, descendants of the two sisters and heirs of Nicholas Wadham. Another branch of Wadham, descending from WiUiam second son of Sir WUliam Wadham and Margaret Chiselden, was settled at Catherston, near Lyme-Begis, Dorset. He married Katharine daughter and heir of WUUam Payne of Catherstone. One of his descendants, cotemporary with his kinsman the founder of Wadham, is buried in the Chancel of the adjoining fine old parish Church of Whitchurch- Canonicorum. The monument is of debased perpendicular, and is thus inscribed : — f^ete Igetfj Sofjn OTafcljam of ffatfjeraton IBsquger, fofjo fcecesseti tfie xfit of fHardje in Slnno HBnt. 1581, tofjo ftiag tainting Jjis life time ffaptagne of tf)e ©tteen's iftflaities Castell of Sontiesfote oesities TOegmoutfj in tfje Countge of ©orset anti also Eecortier of lLgtne--l&egtB ; TOfyos soule ©oti rest in pese. The two shields of arms are gone A very curious cncumstance, connected with the bench ends at Bewe, relates to an inscription found on two of them, reading apparently : — George & 3fone Colbtn— George c. Pole gives the arms of " Colin of Colinstoke," (Cuhnstock ?) as, vert, on a chevron or, three martlets sable ; being very simdar to those he assigns Chiselden — or, on a chevron gules, three martlets or. The name of CoUn does not appear to have been connected with the parish, nor can their relation ship to Chiselden be traced, but that they contributed toward the erection of the benches, seems to admit of little doubt. On a flat stone in front of the skreen is this fragment of an inscrip tion to a former vicar, about 1426 : — ©rate pro ata Cbome 17ensep quonoam pastorts bujus Ccclte .... He was instituted 1402, under the patronage of the Chiselden famdy. PARISH CHURCHES OF NORTH DEVON 175 Fulford. Dunsford. — " On the font in this Church are sculptured the foUowing armorial bearings : — 1, azure, three shovellers' heads crazed argent (Bishop Edmund Lacy) : this may fix its age to be betwesn 1420 and 1455 ; 2, gules, a chevron argent (Fulford); 3, or, three torteaux, a label of three (Courtenay) ; 4, a cross quarterly, gules (St. George) ; 5, three harps (— — ?) ; 6, two lions erect and combatant ( V) ; 7, a bend sable, charged with three bears' heads crazed (Fitz-ourse) ; 8, four arrows or bird- bolts (Boson). Formerly the obtuse arch in the waU of the north aisle may have contained an effigy of one of the Fulford family, but we have no means of illustrating its history." (Oliver). The shields on the font relate to several alliances in the descent of Fulford. Henry Fulford (temp. Edward III) married Wdhelma daughter and heir of John Langdon, co-heir of Fitzurse of WUliton, Somerset. Baldwin Fulford, his son (Sheriff of Devon 1460, Knight of the Sepulchre, and Under Admiral to Holland, Duke of Exeter, High Admiral of England), married EUzabeth daughter of John Bozome of Bozomezeal of Dittisham by Rosamond daughter and hen of John St. George of Lapford, Esq. Thomas Fulford his son married PhUippa daughter of Sir Philip Courtenay of Powderham (ob. 1463) by Elizabeth daughter of Walter Lord Hunger ford. He probably erected the font. In the ambulatory behind the high altar in Exeter Cathedral is a flat stone, with this inscription : — Jptc jacet jftagts : fobes JTulforOe, films 3Saltiurint JWortje mtltt: \>uj: Ccclue EeseO: grkcbt. Cotton oetntie Cornttb: ultt. que obttt 12 ote % unit, 3. £>. xtMmt cttj. atae proptttetur Deus. This Canon Fulford was brother to Thomas last mentioned. Coeein. Heanton-Punchardon. — In the Chancel is a high tomb, and over it a rich canopy, the arch moulded and deeply cusped, with roses on the bosses ; on the spandrils are the initials R.C. and above a cirnice of vine tracery, over which is an angel supporting the arms of Coffin, (azure) 176 SEPULCHRAL EFFIGIES IN THE crusuly, three bezants. Below is a double row of quatrefods, in the centres of the upper row are shields a bouche, of the under, roses. The ledger line inscription has disappeared. On Coffin Tomb, Heanton Punchardon. Probably for Richard Coffin, Esq., Sheriff of Devon, 2 Henry VIII (1494), who married a daughter (WUmote or Ann) of Sir Richard Chudleigh, Knt. WiUiam, younger brother of Bichard, according to Prince, "married the Lady Mannors of Darbyshire, and was chosen Knight of that Shire in the Parliament that began 21 King Henry VIII, 1529 ; he died at Standon about the year of our Lord 1538, and lyeth interred in that parish Church, under a flat stone, on which was sometime found this inscription : — Here lieth Sir William Coffin, Knight, sometime of the Privy Chamber to King Henry the Eighth, and Master of the Horse to tlie Queen, High Steward of the Liberty and Mannor of Standon, who died VIII of December, MCCCCCXXXVIII. Portledge, the antient seat of the Coffins, is situate in Alwington, and in the Church are memorials for later members of the family Richard Coffin, Esq., 1617, with half-length effigies of the deceased and his wife the daughter of Leonard Lovis of CornwaU; Katharine, daughter of Coffin and wife of William Hockin, 1648 ; Bridget, relict of Charles KeUand, Esq., and daughter of Coffin, 1697; Richard Coffin, Esq., 1699; John Coffin, Esq., 1703; Richard Coffin, 1766; Ann, relict of Richard Coffin, Esq., and daughter of Prideaux, 1705. (Lysons). Starre: Beer. — The rebus of this famdy, a star radiated of many points, in conjunction with the initials J.S., occurs on the chimney and iron work of their antient dwelling, a Tudor farm house with some good features, that stands at the north end of the main street of Beer, and it is also carved on a gravestone in Seaton Church. PARISH CHURCHES OF NORTH DEVON. 177 The Starres were a reputable family, con temporary with the Walronds. At the dissolution of Religious houses, Beer, which had belonged to the Abbey of Sherborne, was given by Henry VIII to his Queen Katharine Parr ; it was afterward purchased by the Hassards, merchants of, and some- 0n Chimney. Beer- time Members of Parliament for Lyme, who sold the demesnes to Mr. John Starre. He probably budt their residence there. "The manor was after ward sold," says Pole, "the one moyty unto my father which I sold unto John Walrond of Bo vie, Esqr., and unto John Starr, eldest son of the said John Starr, and the other moytye was by Robert Hassard sold unto the said John Walrond, whose sonne Edmond hath nowe the whole manor, and WiUiam Starr, a younger sonne of the fore named John Starr the elder, hath the demesnes." A flat stone in Seaton Church, with an almost obliterated inscription, probably records the burial place of the elder John Starr ; it is accom panied by their rebus incised on it, and characteristic aUusive epitaph: — . . . . etiam hie sepultus .... 12mo . . . . 1633. Conjugalis amons ergo posuit Elizabeth Starre. John Starre. Starr on Hie! Where should a Starr be But on Hie! Tho underneath He now doth lie Sleepinge in Dust, Yet shall he rise More glorious than The Starres in skies. 1633. On a slab at the east end of the chantry adjoining the south side of the Chancel is the following, which appears to commemorate the wife and son of WiUiam the younger son of John Starr : — 178 SEPULCHRAL EFFIGIES IN THE Here lieth the body of Mrs. Dorothy Starr, wido, who was the wife of William Starr of Bere, Gent, who was buried the 5th day of September 1688, aged 94 years. John the eldest son of WiUiam Staler of Beere, Gent, and Dorothy his wife was here buried the 4th Deer. 1629. This inscription in Beer Chapel evidently relates to another son of this WiUiam and Dorothy Starr : — John the fifth sonne of W. Starre of Bere, Gent, and Dorothy which died of the plagve was here buried 1646. In Southleigh is a flat stone : — Here lyeth the body of Amy, wife of Henry Starr, of Seaton, Gent: who deceased . . . day of December 1640. Probably this Henry was another brother. The famdy is extinct. John Veysey, Bishop of Exeter. The initials of this Bishop, in con junction with the pastoral staff, are found on one of the shields on the facade at Ford Abbey, during whose episcopate (the date on the tower being 1528) Abbot Thomas Chard appears to have erected it, and under whom also, as well as his predecessor Bishop Oldham, the Abbot acted as Suffragan. Bishop Veysey's arms occur / ^? ) on the porch of the Vicarage at Colyton, a cross, Ford Abbey. thereon a buck's head affrontee between four doves, on a chief a cross crosslet between two roses; the shield is supported by two angels, and over it the Episcopal mitre, below, the date 1524 ; having been placed there by Canon Thomas Brerewood, Vicar of Colyton (who rebuUt the Vicarage house), and who was also ChanceUor or Grand Vicar to Bishop Veysey. The following interesting account of this Prelate, and the opening of his tomb at Sutton-Coldfield, is extracted from Aris's Birmingham Gazette for August 28, 1875 : — The remains of a prelate distinguished in history — Bishop Vesey— were on Wednesday morning again revealed to view, after a very long period, in the presence of a select assemblage, in the Parish Church of Sutton Coldfield. The prelate was a PARISH CHURCHES OF NORTH DEVON. 179 native of Sutton, having been born in a little stone-built farm house, still known as Stone House Farm, and situated near to Moor Hall, the residence of Mr. Sampson S. Lloyd, M.P. The bishop's name originally was John Harman, but he seems early to have also borne that of Vesey, having, it is conjectured, been in some way connected with the old Norman de Vescis. In 1482 he went to Mag dalen College, Oxford, where he speedily displayed profound scholarship and considerable ability, and with the aid and influence of Cardinal Wolsey, countenanced, no doubt, also by Henry VII, and afterwards by Henry VIII, he ultimately became Bishop of Exeter. In this capacity he obtained even greater favour with the last-named monarch, was entrusted with many delicate and important embassies, and was also appointed tutor to the Princess Mary, afterwards Queen Mary. Throughout his prosperity the bishop was mindful of his early home in the comparatively obscure Warwickshire town, and during his life he was a most zealous and devoted friend towards Sutton Coldfield. Availing himself of his favour with King Henry VIII, he besought a benefit for his native place, and the King gave him Sutton Park, which had long previously been a royal chase, and other lands or funds, with which the prelate founded the Grammar School of Sutton Coldfield. A royal charter was also obtained from Henry endowing the " Warden and Society," commonly called the Corporation of Sutton Coldfield. This body, it may be in teresting to know, consists of a warden, two " capital burgesses," and twenty-two Other corporate members. The warden, who is chosen annually, and the capital burgesses, who are elected for life by the Corporation from their own body, are justices of the peace by virtue of their office, and the warden officiates as coroner for the town, manor, and lordship of Sutton. The Corporation are also lords of the manor, and elect the lord high stewards and park-keepers. The high steward appoints his deputy, who must be a lawyer, and presides at the Courts Leet and Baron. The inhabitants of Sutton are freemen, and eligible for election to the Corporation by virtue of their residence ; and, under their charter, which was con firmed by a subsequent one in the reign of Charles II, they were empowered to hold courts of " Oyer and Terminer," but the exercise of this power we know fell into disuse, and gradually became merged into the ordinaiy Courts of Assize, the Corporation paying on this account a quota towards the county rate. Bishop Vesey, who flourished just before the Reformation, was in many respects a remarkable man, of enlightened views, and very far in advance of the time in which he lived. He was by no means entirely in accord with the old Church, and sufficient occurred to show that it would be no very rash conjecture to suppose that if his lot had been chanced to be cast some thirty years later, he might have embraced the Reformed doctrines. Upon the death of Henry VIII, the bishop's fortunes seemed for the moment somewhat clouded, but he continued in his See t 180 SEPULCHRAL EFFIGIES IN THE for some three years afterwards. He resigned the bishopric, however, in 1550, and Dr. Coverdale was appointed in his stead. On the death of King Edward, and the consequent accession of Mary to the throne, Bishop Coverdale deemed it prudent to escape to Geneva, and Vesey once more returned to his bishopric, having, as his infirmities increased, a coadjutor in Dr. Moreman. Bishop Vesey had now grown old and feeble, and he passed most of his time in Sutton Coldfield, where he died in 1555, at the advanced age it is said, of 103 years, although it is also asserted by others that he was " only " 93. During his life Bishop Vesey rebuilt the old Church of Sutton, which is dedi cated to the Holy Trinity, having originally been built, it is supposed, as early as the thirteenth century. At his death the aged prelate found a resting-place in the chancel of the sacred building, and a very beautiful monument was erected over the grave. It consisted of a recumbent figure of the deceased prelate in his robes, his sacred office being further indicated by the mitre on his head and the crozier in his hand. Over the monument was placed the following inscription : — Beneath lie the remains of that pious and learned prelate late John Herman-aVs-Vesey, who was promoted by King Henry VIII, in the 11th year of his reign, to the see of Exeter — was employed by him on sundry embassies ; was tutor to his then only daughter, the Lady Mary, and President of Wcdes. So great was his affection for this his native place, yt he spared neither costs nor pains to improve it and make it flourish. He procured it to be incorporated by the name of a Warden and Society of the King's Town of Sutton Coldfield, granting to them and their successors for ever, the Chase, Park, and Manor. He built two isles to ye Church and an organ; erected ye Moot Hcdl with a prison under it, and a market place, fifty-one stone houses, two stone bridges (one at Curdworth and one at Waterorton) paved ye ivhole town, gave a meadow to poor widows, and for the im provement of youth founded and endowed a Free Grammar School which was rebuilt 1728. He built Moor Hall, where he spent ye latter part of his life in hospitality and splendour; saiv for many years ye good effects of his munificence ; and died in ye 103rd year of his age, and in the year of our Lord MDLV. This monument, erected by John Wyrley, of Hampstead, in Handsworth Staffordshire, Knt., to the memory of the good Bishop, his great uncle, was repaired and beautified by this Corporation in the year of our Lord MDCCXLVII1. PARISH CHURCHES OF NORTH DEVON. 181 Above the Bishop's tomb is placed the following Latin inscription, copied from tombstones now perished : — Orate pro animabus of WiUiam Harman, alias Vesey, and Joan his wife, having four children, viz., John, Bishop of Exeter; Hugh, married to Joyce, daughter of William Rigeley, of Dunton ; Amicia, their elder daughter, married to John Leveson; and Agnes their younger daughter, married to WiUiam Gibons ; which Wm. Harman died the last day of May, 10 E. TV., and the said Joan died 8th of March, H. VIII, and the year 1523. And at the foot of the three effigies, on a tomb : — Orate pro anima of Hugh Harman, alias Vesey, brother and heir of John Bishop of Exeter, which Hugh died 24th day of November, 1528, and in the 14th H. VIII. His first ivife was Hannah, daughter of Humphn Golson, by whom he had two daughters, Joyce, the elder, and Eliz., the younger. His second wife was Joyce daughter of William Rugeley, by whom he had two sons, viz., John and Wm., and four daughters, Joan, Eleanor, Margaret and Dorothy. Recently the Church has been undergoing a complete restoration. In the course of this work it was thought desirable to restore the ancient monument of Bishop Vesey, and ultimately it was resolved that this should be done. The monument, as our readers are aware, had been placed in a niche near the door at the north-western corner of the chancel, and it was at first intended simply to restore it without removing it from its position. It was thought, how ever, that the wall was not in a safe state, and it was therefore resolved to build up the niche, removing the monument to what was believed to have been its original position. This being agreed to, it was considered that the occasion would be a fitting one for deciding, as far as possible, the question which has been some times raised by antiquarians as to whether or not the Bishop's remains had really been interred underneath the stone, for this would, of course, enable those carrying out the work to decide if they could remove the monument to a more convenient position. The tomb was accordingly opened, as we have said, on Wednesday morning last, the most reverential respect, we need hardly say, being shown to the memory of the distinguished prelate. The following persons had the privilege of being present to witness the interesting proceedings :— The Rev. Montagu Webster, M.A., Warden of Sutton Coldfield; the Rev. W. K. R. Bedford, M.A., the rector of the parish, and others. The tomb was found to be in the sandstone, 2ft. 6in. deep, 2 ft. 6 in wide, and t2 182 SEPULCHRAL EFFIGIES IN THE 6 ft. 6 in. long, and it was covered by a very massive slab of alabaster, and two oak bearers, but the latter were found to be completely decayed. In the extreme north-westerly corner of the tomb lay the upper part of the skull of what had apparently been a very full, round head, but the lower part was completely gone. In the extreme south-east corner was found the under jaw bone, with only two teeth in it, and these shewing evidence of extreme age. It was the opinion of those who examined this that the other teeth had been lost very long before death, for all the cavities were filled, and the jaw was as nearly as possible solid, In the bottom of the tomb there was a depth of two or three inches of mould. and as there were fragments of bone in it, it was carefully sifted through a fine riddle, when several large pieces of bone were found. These consisted of about two-thirds of a thigh-bone, part of an arm-bone, &c. No episcopal vestments, no ring or staff, nor any of the other personal adornments which in those days were usually buried with the bodies of distinguished persons were found in the tomb ; and, indeed, it was quite evident that this was not the first occasion on which it had been opened. There was no trace even of a lead coffin, and the oak coffin in which the body had been enclosed was completely decayed. Effigy of Bishop Veysey, Sutton-Coldfield. It is thought by some that this recumbent effigy of the Bishop over the tomb is not of the date of the prelate's death, but in all probability had been placed there at a time when it is surmised the tomb had been previously opened, probably a little over a century ago. There is, we may state, a rumour, which competent authorities regard as being well founded, to the effect that when the tomb was opened on the former occasion the form of the deceased prelate was distinctly traceable, but that when exposed to the air the remains crumbled to dust, and the recumbent figure now in the chancel was made to imitate as nearly as possible the form as it then appeared. All the remains of the prelate were carefully collected and placed in an earthen vase, accompanied with a bottle containing a parchment bearing the following inscription— « This writing is to commemorate the fact that on the 25th day of August, A.D. 1875, the vault wherein the remains of John Harman, alias PARISH CHURCHES OF NORTH DEVON. 183 Vesey, were interred, was opened on the occasion of the restoration of the monu ment by the Warden and Society of Sutton Coldfield, and the bones were deposited in an earthen pan, within which this writing is also enclosed. They were the only remains discovered beyond the dust and earth covered by them, which were also replaced in the tomb." Then followed the signatures of all present, in the order in which we have given them above. There was also placed in the bottle a full list of the present Warden and Society of Sutton Coldfield. Sutton Coldfield, where this interesting monument is to be seen, is a flourishing little town some seven miles from Birmingham. As may be gathered from what we have already said, it has quite a history of its own, and not only is it cele brated for its Royal Chase, dating back even before the time of King John, or as the birthplace of a Bishop who played a prominent part in times ever memor able in our history, but it has also long been renowned for its manufacture of agricultural implements, though its trade, like that of other places, has, of coarse, witnessed many fluctuations, and there is no doubt it is to the munificence of Bishop Vesey that its ultimate prosperity may be fairly traced. Isaak (Memorials of Exeter) speaking of this Prelate says, "in 1553, Bishop Voysey was again restored to this See, who being above one hundred years of age died suddenly, and lies buried in Sutton-Coldfield Church, Warwickshire, under a fair monument whereon his effigies and arms are engraven, and on a label thus ; " Dextra Dei exaltavit me " With this epitaph : — " Orate pro anima Johannis Voysey, alias Herman, nuper prelati ecclesias Exonias." Hungerford and Peverell. — The three sickles conjoined and the garb or wheatsheaf in happy aUiance, the respective badges of these antient famUies, are borne by their kinsmen and descendants the Courtenays, and Chimney Piece, the Palace, Exeter. Tomb, Plympton. 184 SEPULCHRAL EFFIGIES IN THE are found on Bishop Courtenay 's chimney-piece in the Palace, and on the tcmb of his relative William Courtenay at Plympton, and their coat-aimour at Powderham and Honiton Churches. The place of sepulture of the Hungerford family was in Salisbury Cathedral, within two beautiful mortuary chapels they had erected, and which were removed and destroyed by Wyatt, when he so fearfully despoiled that fine Cathedral. Walter Lord Hungerford, K.G. (ob. 1449), and his first wife Catherine Peverel were buried in their Chapel in the nave, a beautiful structure composed chiefly of iron, and which has since been removed to the choir. Their tombs, joined together and despoded of theu brass effigies, remain in the nave. The matrices exhibit the proportions of a knight on the one, and of a lady on the other, both stones were powdered over with sickles, and a ledger line outside all. The whole has now disappeared, except the stones in which the brasses were set. Forty shields of arms, according to Hutchins (who minutely describes these chapels previous to their removal) were set round outside exhibiting the various aUiances of the family. Among these were Hungerford impaling. Strange and Mohun, Peverell, Courtenay, St. John, Mules, &c, &c. Lord Hungerford married Catherine daughter of Sir Thomas Peverell (of Sampford-PevereU, according to Pole) by his wife Margaret, daughter of Sir Thomas Courtenay of South Pool, Devon, by his wife Muriel, daughter of John Lord Mules (and whose effigy is perhaps in the Church there), which Sir Thomas was the son of Hugh Courtenay Earl of Devon, and Agnes St. John, who were sepulchred at Cowick Priory. Elizabeth daughter of Walter Lord Hungerford married Sir Philip Courtenay of Powderham (ob. 1463), Powderhsm Church, A.D. 1485. PARISH CHURCHES OF NORTH DEVON. 185 which aUiance is commemorated on the pdlars of the Church there. In this Chapel at Salisbury, also was buried his grandson Bobert Lord Hungerford, who was taken prisoner at the battle of Hexham, and beheaded at Newcastle, 3rd Edward IV, 1464. Bobert Lord Hungerford, his son (ob. 1459), was buried in the north choir aisle, but the effigy has now been removed to the nave. Sir PhUip Courtenay of Powderham, second of that name, who married Elizabeth, Bobert Lord Hungerford's sister, had with her in marriage the manor of MoUand-Bottreaux, which manor Lord Hungerford acquired by marriage with Margaret, the daughter of Wdliam Lord Bottreaux. He gave it to his second son Sir PhUip for his portion, and his son John held it after him, and was buried in MoUand Church with this inscription on his grave: — " Hie jacet Johannes Courtenay, armiger, qui obiit 27 'die Marcii, ao. dni. 1510, cujus animas propicietur Deus." (Cleveland). Walrond of Bovey. Seaton and Beer. — In Seaton Church, previous to Walrond of Bovey— Skreen, Seaton Church, circa A.D, 1525. 186 SEPULCHRAL EFFIGIES IN THE its restoration, there was a north transept, doubtless built by the Walronds of Bovey, Beer (a junior branch of the Walronds of Bradfield), probably as a mortuary chantry, and the arms of the famdy occur on the corbel of the window. This chapel was originaUy enclosed by an oak skreen of open tracery. Subsequently, portions of it were employed to give additional height to a large squire's pew, and finally on the complete restoration of the edifice, they were removed, presumably for future preservation, to Bovey House where they stdl remain, but certainly deserve to be re-instated in their original position, which it is hoped may be their rdtimate fate. The portions consist of open tracery, temp. Henry VIII, and are ornamented with the single red and white rose, the large double rose, and a series of shields with armorial bearings carved in rehef. and exhibiting the descent of Walrond of Bovey, and some of the earlier alliances of Walrond of Bradfield, emblazoned in colours. 1, argent, three bulls' heads affrontee sable, horned gules, a crescent for difference (Walrond of Bovey); 2, argent, a chevron gules, between three bulls' heads affrontee sable (Stowford of Stowford, Colyford); impaling, azure, a stag's face affrontee argent (Downe ?) ; 3, Walrond of Bovey, impaling, Stowford and Downe; 4, Walrond, impaling, gules two demi- lions passant regardant, or (Hach) ; 5, Walrond, impaling, azure, a lion rampant argent, langued gules (Brett) ; 6, gules, a chevron enarched, argent (Holbeame) ; 7, sable, three fish (hakes) hauriant argent (Hake) ; 8, argent, the Stafford knot azure, a crescent for difference, gules. The devices on these shields are carved in rehef, and the colours appear to have been subsequently added, and are erroneous in two or three instances. John Walrond of Bradfield (temp. Edward I), married Joan daughter and heir of John de Stowford, Stowford, Colyford. WiUiam, his grandson married AUce daughter of Walter Hake of CuUompton. John, his grand son, married Alice, daughter of John Ufflete and Alice his wife, daughter and heir of Martin Fishacre and Agnes his wife, daughter and heir of Sir WiUiam le Speke of Eveleigh. Henry, his grandson, married Agnes daughter of John Whiting of Woode, Kentisbeare, whose ancestor John married Julian daughter of William Holbeame. PARISH CHURCHES OF NORTH DEVON. 187 The ¦ first of the Bovey branch was William, second son of John Walrond of Bradfield, grandson of John and Alice Ufflete. He married Joan daughter of John Brett of Whitestaunton. John, his grandson, married Jane daughter of Lewis Hach of AUer. Edmond, his son, married Ann daughter of Sir William Pole of Colcombe, Knt., the Antiquary. He is buried in the Walrond chantry at Seaton, where there is his effigy in half armour and trunk hose, kneeling before a prie dieu, and this inscription : An epitaph on the death of Edmond Walrond of Boive, who was buried Sep. 10, anno domini 1640, JEtat suas, 48, composed and set vp by Anne Walrond his wife: — Here lieth the body of my hvsband deare, Whom next to God I did both love and feare, Our loves were single we never had bvt one, And so III bee although that thou art gone, And you that shall this sad inscripti. view, Remember alwaies that deaths yovr dve. On 20th August, 1438, a license was granted by Bishop Lacy to John Walrond, Esq., to have divine service performed " infra mansiones suas de Newlonde in parochia de Columpton, de Bradevyle in Uffculme parochia, et de Bovegh in 'parochia de Branscombe." "Bovey," says Pole, "hath been divers times granted by Walrond of Bradfield unto younger sons, and in the latter end of the reign of King Edward IV, John Walrond of Bradfield, Esq., conveyed this land unto WdUam his younger son." The family continued there until the middle of the last century, when its last heiress Judith Maria (ob. 1820) married John, Lord BoUe. In the WaUond aisle is a monument thus inscribed: — Sacred to the 'memory of Wm. Walrond, Esq., who died at Bovey in 1762, aged 45 years; and of his first wife and infant son; also of Sarah Oke, his second wife, by whom he had issue, Sarah, Courtenay William, and Judith Maria. Of these the last and only surviving one, wife of John Rolle, Esq., M.P, for Devon, erected this monument in respect to the best of parents and at the request of her mother, who departed this life Feb. 1, 1787, aged 67. The first wife of William Walrond was Sarah Blagdon of Sidbury. The Okes were of Combe-Pyne, and in the church is a monument to them. u 188 SEPULCHRAL EFFIGIES IN THE Prouz, Chichester, Marwood. Widworthy, Crediton, &c. — Four effigies, found at Lustleigh and Widworthy, remain to perpetuate the memory probably of this old and wide spreading race and their descendants. The original arms of Prouz of Gidleigh Castle, sable, three lions rampant argent, appears to have been the parent of almost the same charge, duly differenced, borne by their descendants Wotton and Chudleigh. The effigy at Widworthy has on his shield crusuly, three lions rampant. " From Widworthy," says West- Shield of Knight, widworthy. church. c0^ « a knightly famdy took name. WUliam de Widworthy was in King Edward I days. By Alice daughter and heir of Sir Hugh de Widworthy, Knt., and his wUe, daughter and co-heir of Sir WiUiam Beigney, Knt., it descended to Sir William Prouz, Knt., and then by Alice daughter and sole heU of Sir Hugh (his third son) to Meoles ; and by a writ of partition in 17th Edward III (1344) between his three daughters and heirs, it came to John Northcot, and so it feU to Henry Wotton, and Alice, heir of that line, gave it by her marriage to Chichester (of Balegh) and he to a younger son, whose issue now enjoys it." Pole assigns the arms of Prouz with the field crusuly, to Prouz of Gatcombe and Widworthy, and the same bearings to Wotton of Widworthy. " Bichard Prouz, second son of Sir WiUiam, had issue John, who died sans issue, and Thomazine married to John Chudleigh, on whom her brother settled Ashton, in which name it is now." (Westcote.) The arms of Chudleigh are ermine, three lions rampant gules. Over the west doorway in the tower of Widworthy is a panel on which are sculptured some figures, and three shields suspended by guiges, but both figures and shields are so denuded as to be undecipherable. On a flat stone near the altar are the arms of Chichester, and Dormitorum Johannis Chichester armigeri, qui obiit novo die Junii anno salutis 1661. From Chichester the manor of Widworthy passed to Marwood, an antient family located near, branches of whom were settled in old seventeenth century manorial residences at Homshayes, Sutton, and Blamp- hayne, Colyton. On the spandrds of the chimney piece at Blamphayne are the initials, " T. M.— E. M.— J. M.— 1558." PARISH CHURCHES OF NORTH DEVON. 189 On a flat stone in the Chancel of Colyton Church is the following part of an inscription, doubtless relating to the Blamphayne famdy : — tyit jacet corpus Etftiget ffl seam&a ur — jWattooolr genet: et fi'lte gohamtes ^trottD tie parnham armtcc: qui obttt tertto trie gamtat: 1619. Jflots mttjt primus 3foam tattae secuntms etrtt. anno £>om: 1622. Among the old glass in the chancel window was the impalement of Strode, argent, a chevron between three conies sable. On another flat stone adjoining are the arms of Marwood, a chevron between three goats' heads, impahng, a chevron between three swans. The inscription is obliterated. Handsome monuments to later members of this famdy are found in Widworthy, Upottery, and notably one at Honiton to " Thomas Marwood, who practised physick and chirurgery above 75 years, and being aged 105 years, departed in the Catholic faith 18 Sep. 1617." He was physician to Queen EUzabeth, Uved in a large old house in Honiton, and is said to have entertained on one occasion there the unfortunate Charles I. In Northleigh Church are flat stones inscribed to Thomas Marwood, Gent., of Northleigh, and Elizabeth his wife, 1674, and Frances Marwood, relict of John Marwood of Blamphayne, Gent., 1700. In Crediton Church are some later memorials to the antient family of Prouz. On a flat stone in the choir : — Hie jacet Franciscus Prouze de Fordton, M.D. qui obiit 5 die Octob. 1696. Etiam Franciscus Prouze ar. filius natu maxi mums prcedicti Francisci Prouze qui obiit 15 die Martii 1716. Etiam Constantia Prouze uxor prasdicti Francisci Prouze sen. quce obiit 9 die Julii, A.D. 1714. And a tablet near records the death of "Mrs. Honor Prouze, the last of a numerous and ivo t thy family, 1 July 1773;" and the arms, ermine, three lions rampant gules. Champernowne. — Three effigies at Atherington, and probably those found at Modbury, originaUy four in number, may be assigned to represent members of this very antient famdy, together with the grave stone and incised cross to Boger Champernowne at Beer-Ferrers. u* 190 SEPULCHRAL EFFIGIES IN THE Newenham Abbey. — This abbey of Cistercian rule, the munificent offering of the sons of Lady Alice de Mohun, and within whose Conventual Church so many members of the distinguished famUies of Mohun and Bonvdle are sepulchred, is situate close to the railroad about a mile south of Axminster. The Abbey Church and Conventual buildings, which were of large size, and of the Early English style, appear to have been destroyed very soon after the dissolution of religious houses; a few fragments of wall, and small portion of the cloister is all that is now left. " Beneath the floor of the Church," says Mr. Davidson, the historian of this antient foundation, "were deposited the bodies of many distinguished individuals who were in one way or other connected with the Abbey. The whole breadth of the chou was occupied by a series of interments disposed in regular order. Of these, the first on the south side of the altar, against the waU, and near the seats of the ministers, was the body of Sir Giles de Cancellis, the donor of Plenynt to the Abbey ; next him lay Sir WiUiam de Mohun, one of the Founders; and then his brother Sir Beginald, whose remains occupied a spot near the officiating deacon's station. Close to his father, under a small stone, was deposited the heart of Sir John de Mohun, whose body was buried at Bruton, and next to it the remains of Sir WilUam de Mohun of Ottery-Mohun, his half brother. Lastly, against the north wall of the choir lay Sir Nicholas BonvUle, a benefactor to the Abbey, who died in 1266. The bodies of several other individuals of the Bonvdle family were buried in the nave ; and in the centre of the choir, between them and the high altar, immediately before the great cross, lay the remains of the wealthy and munificent Sir WiUiam BonvUle of Shute, who died in 1407, and those of Alice his second wife." In an interesting article on Dunster, by WUliam Hamper, published in the Gentleman's Magazine, October, 1808, engravings are given of the seals of Sir Beginald de Mohun, one of the Founders of Newenham, and his grandson Sir John, who died about 1331. On Sir Beginald's is a shield displaying the maunch, and hand holding the fleur-de-lys, and around it, " SIGILL : BEGINALDI DE MOVN;" on Sir John's, (who relinquished his ancestor's device and adopted the cross engrailed or, on the field sable) that charge is exhibited on a shield in the centre, with a lion rampant PARISH CHURCHES OF NORTH DEVON. 191 on each side, probably for Tiptoft ha right of his wife. The inscription is:— "SI:JOHANIS DE MOVN." These seals were attached to charters (then in possession of the writer) relating to the fairs and markets of Dunster. The arms of Mohun (late) appear to have been those adopted by the Abbey of Newenham, and in conjunction with those of Sir Gdes de CanceUis (ob. 1248), argent, three mullets sable (he was a benefactor to the Abbey), are found on the seal of the Community. A singular association with these ruins is, that John Prince, the author of The Worthies of Devon, was born in the house that exists on their site. Newenham Abbey. The desecration of the Abbey is now complete, scarcely a vestige of the antient budding remains, and an orchard occupies the site of the Abbey Church. No more are found their tombs of costly art, Where still the gold clings to the crumbling stone, Nor legend, shield, nor effigy impart, The classic fame, of historied ages flown. The hand of time a weird dark stillness throws O'er pomp and pageantry at joust or tomb, The herald's note is dumb, nor longer glows The armoried tabard in the gathered gloom. The priest is mute, the choristers are gone, No funeral rite is said, nor requiem sung, No votive wreath upon the shrine is hung, No flowers upon the Founder's tomb are flung. 192 SEPULCHRAL EFFIGIES IN THE The architecture of the pde was Early English, and twenty-six Abbots presided over the foundation in succession, ending with Abbot Bichard Gyll, who surrendered his Monastery 9th March, 1538. Wolborough. — In the south aisle in the Founder's place is a depressed momumental arch, the sculptured keystone and corbels defaced, and the underlying tomb or flat stone removed. On the arch is this inscription : ©rate p at'a amrtl. 3S erat bj trie 8ugustt m.ti. jrtutL cuj. ata ppttet. 3De. On a stone in the gable outside is incised : — SI. 3D. m.h.r.tij. On shields, on corbels supporting two of the window labels of the aisles, is sculptured the mono gram, J. T., and the same device occurs painted on a shield in a window of the south aisle. In one of woiborSgh church. the south windows of the Chancel is:— ©rate pro nmnthus benefactorftus qui tstam fenestram ut'trart fecerunt In a window of the north aisle are three shields of considerable interest, commemorative of Courtenay. 1, Azure, a bend or, a label of three gules (Carminow), impahng Courtenay, with label and nine plates thereon, — for Sir Hugh Courtenay of Ashwater, who perished at Tewkesbury, and his wife Margaret Carminow ; the marshalling here is the same as on the tomb at Ashwater, Carminow on the dexter side. 2, Barry of six, vaire and gules (Beaumont,) impaling Courtenay as before, — for Sir Hugh Cour tenay of Haccombe, whose effigy is in the Church there, (father of Hugh of Ashwater) by his last (?) wife, Margaret daughter of Sir John Beau mont of ShirweU. 3, Quarterly, argent and gules, a mullet for difference (Fitzwarren), impaling, argent, three chevrons sable (Arcedeckne), — for the other two wives of Sir Hugh of Haccombe, — Elizabeth daughter of Sir WiUiam Cogan of Baunton, and widow of Sir Fulk Fitzwarren, and Philippa daughter of Sir Warin Arcedeckne of Haccombe. These shields were probably erected by Edward Courtenay, (son of Hugh of Ashwater), who was restored to the Earldom by Henry VII. PARISH CHURCHES OF NORTH DEVON. 193 He married EUzabeth daughter of Sir Philip Courtenay of MoUand, second son of Sir Phdip of Powderham. Hence, probably, the appearance of the plates on the label. He, Earl Edward, was the grandson of Sir Hugh of Haccombe, by his wife Margaret Beaumont. The marshalling of the shields shews the descent. Pollard. Bishops-Nympton and S. Giles. — In addition to the effigy assigned to represent a member of this famdy in Horwood Church, there is in S. Gdes' Church, near Torrington, the smaU brass effigy of a lady inriaaiLftfyinioia DpoM qui tint wor W$li$$> r\mi)0 iulriionqtti obijt **j titr iHuif$ IrjjmuDm^ anno ife afltio gzcm m$ mm ptiiflf atnm Brass of Alyanora Pollard. S. Giles, A.D. 1430. in long robes with horned head-dress and cover-chief. Below is this inscription: — $tc jacet ^Ipanora pollart! qui tutt tirnr 3hJfte£S pollarti et ulta 3foi)es Copleston obtjt xxi oit mensis g>eptembrt£S anno ont mtllmo ccccrr* cujus antme pptctet at. 8men. The shield of arms is gone. In the Chancel of Bishops-Nympton Church is an altar tomb, ornamented 194 SEPULCHRAL EFFIGIES IN THE with quatrefods, under a depressed arch, erected probably for Sir Lewis Pollard, but there is no inscription, and the arms are obliterated. Bisdon, speaking of this monument, says : "In Nymet Church, Judge Pollard Ueth honourably interred, haying a monument erected to his memory, a window of which Church whereunto he was a benefactor, sheweth his name, marriage, office, and issue, with his effigies and his lady's figured fairly in glass, he having ten sons on the one side, and she so many daughters on the other, a fair offspring, with this inscription : — Orate pro bono statu Ludovici Pollard, militis, unius justiciar : domini regis de Banco, et Eliz : uxor : ejus, qui istam fenestram fieri fecerunt. Prince says he was descended from the Pollards of Horwood and S. Gdes, and that he married Agnes daughter of Thomas Hext of Staverton, Totnes, but this would be contradicting Bisdon. " This reverend judge," he continues, "having Uved to a great age, and being also fuU of honours as of days, was himself at length cast by the unrepealable statute of death in the year of our Lord 1540, and Ueth buried in the Church of Kings-Nympton." In Horwood Church are the foUowing inscriptions to later descendants of the PoUard famdy: — Here lyeth Anthony Pollard of Horwood Esquire, who deceased the 16 day of June Anno. Dni. 1587. Arms: — a chevron between three mullets. Here lyeth Johan Pollard the wyffe of Anthony Pollard of Horwood Esquire, and daughter of Lewis Stucley of Afton Esquire, she deceased the 27 day of February Anno. Dom: 1599. Arms: — Pollard, impaling, three pears pendant (Stucley of Affeton). Here rest the bodies of Arthur Pollard of this parish y Esquier, and Johaue his wife, he was buried ye 10th of October, 1633; she ye 3rd June 1622. Requiescant in Pace. Here lyeth Sarah the daughter of Arthur Pollard Esquier, buried the 12 daie of December anno Dom: 1613. Here lyeth ye body of Arthur PoUard of Instow, Gent, who died ye 25th day of August, Anno Dom: 1681. PARISH CHUECH1S OF NORTH DEVON. 195 Takell. Honiton. — The old Church of S. Michr.tl at Honiton appears to have been almost completely rebuilt toward the close of the fifteenth century, and the Powderham bianch of the Courtenay family as lords of the manor were largely interested in its erection. Peter Courtenay, successively Bishop of Exeter and Winchester (ob. 1491), writes Cleve land, " built good part of the Church which in his clays was made from a little chapel into a handsome parish Church, and the arms of the famdy are hi the pUlars of the Church ; he likewise in all probability made a curious skreen of fine workmanship that" is between the body of the Church and the Chancel. He also built the tower, as his father's arms impaled with those of his mother's in the tower window do shew.'r This surmise as to the re-erection of the Church is probably correct. The shield of the arms of the Prelate's father and mother has been removed to the south transept window, but the sinister impalement is destroyed. The sculptured armories of Courtenay occur on both the capitals of the piers adjoining the main walls of the edifice, of the arches dividing the nave from the Chancel, as if their emblems were set on that part of the work toward which they contributed. On Pillars, S. Michael's Church, Honitori. The two central arcades, however, that separate the Chancel from the side aisles, are tbe work of John Takell. Bunning round the capitals of the middle pillars are scrolls thus inscribed: — Prap for pe soul of 3fot)n Cakell U 3fone fnjs ropffe. At the corners are shields, alternately, with his monogram 3f.C. and initials singly. The glorious skreen, with its rich rows of sculptured foliage, and tracery quaintly ornamented with shields a bouche, is a 196 SEPULCHRAL EFFIGIES IN THE beautiful object. In the north Chancel aisle or chantry, and immediately fronting the antient altar, is the burial place of the Takels. On a large stone is this inscription: — l£>tr jacet gohana Cakel trioua, qui obiit rxi trie 3fulit anno £>omtnt mcccccmr, cujus aie proptctetur £)eus. Sfinen. "John Takel," says Pole, "a man well learned in the law, dwelled here in King Henry VII time, whose only daughter was the first wife of Baldwin Mallett, SoUcitor unto King Henry VIII, and had issue by her Michael the ancestor of Mallett. of St. Audries." They appear to have held Street in Gittisham. Another flat stone near, commemorates the burial of a former Bector, who died 1459 : — i£)tc jacet gchannes Eigge quonoam Hector hujus Ccclesi^, et Chesatlr at Cretitton, cujus anime parcat £>eus. Sunen. Yarde. Highweek and Newton Bushel. — On the font at Highweek are shields displaying the following arms : — 1. A chevron between three water bougets (Yarde) ; 2, tlwee bushel measures (Bussel or Bushed); 3, on a bend three horse shoes (Ferrers); 4, three shovellers (Bishop Lacy) ; 5, a cross (De EnglishviUe ?) On Font, Highweek Church. Bishop Edmond Lacy presided over the diocese a.d. 1420-55 ; on 19 April, 1428, that Prelate consecrated a cemetery and new Chapel at Highweek in honour of All Saints. At Newton Bushell, in the Chapel there, the east window is of very hand some character ; a series of niches in which were formerly statues runs round the arch, and the inner moulding is studded with foliaged bosses, PARISH CHURCHES OF NORTH DEVON. 197 Chancel Window Newton-Bushel. the water bouget of Yarde, and the horse shoe of Ferrers, alternately intervening. Boger Yarde married Elisote daughter of William Bussel or Bushell, temp. Bichard II ; his grandson Bichard Yarde married Joan daughter of WiUiam, and one of the heirs of William Ferrers of Churchston (Pole). At the east end of the Bradley or Yarde aisle at Highweek Church is the following : — Here lyeth the body of James Yarde of Bradley, Esq., who died the third day of September, 1670. Here also lyeth the body of Michall Yarde, late wife of the said James Yarde, who dyed (he . clay .... Here likewise lyeth the body of Gilbert Yarde, Esq., sonne of the aforesaid James and Michall Yarde, who dyed the 10 day of August 1671. Arms: Yarde quartering Ferrers, impaling paly of six, on a chief three plates (BlackhaU ?) John Yarde was Sheriff of Devon 14th Henry VI, 1435 ; Bichard his son, 21st year, 1443. The foUowing other memorials to this family appear to have been in the Church, Thomas Yarde, 23 Oct., 1557; Joan, wife of Thomas Yarde, 1591; Walter Yarde, 28 May, 1654; Jane wife of Walter Yarde, 2 October, 1654; Walter Yarde, 12 November, 1655; and a series of coats of arms similar to those found on the font, occur in the roof of the chapel attached to Bradley House, the antient residence of the Yardes. (Stirling). Luttrell — Courtenay. Thorverton and Dunster. — On an antient bench end in Thorverton Church is a shield charged with the arms of Luttrell, a bend charged with three mullets, between six martlets. The Luttrells held Chilton in Thorverton. Sir John Luttrell was seized of this manor 19 Edward III, 1344, which descended to Sir Andrew, and his son Sir Hugh. (Pole). Sir Andrew Luttrell, (son of Sir v2 Bench End, Thorverton Church. 198 SEPULCHRAL EFFIGIES IN THE John), married Elizabeth, second daughter of Hugh Courtenay, Earl of Devon, and Margaret Bohun, whose effigies are in the Cathedral, and widow of Sir John Vere, Knt., second son of Aubrey de Vere, second Earl of Oxford. (Cleveland). It was this Lady Elizabeth- Luttrell, widow of Sir Andrew, who purchased of the Lady Joan Mohun (widow of John, the last Lord Mohun, K.G., and whose effigy is in Canterbury Cathedral), 50th Edward III, 1377, for the sum of 5000 marks, the reversion of the Castle of Dunster, the manors of Minehead, Kilton, and Carhampton, with the hundred of Carhampton. The original receipt of this purchase, with the seals of Mohun and Luttrell attached, is now in the possession of G. F. Luttrell, Esq., of Dunster Castle, through whose kindness the following transcript is given: Sachent touz gentz que cestes lettres verroient ou avroient moy Jolianne que fu la femme Johanne de Mohun de Donsterre Chevaler avoir receuz de Elizabeth que fu la femme Andreu Lutrell' Chevaler cynke mille marcz de bon monoie en plein paiement pour le Chastell' de Donsterre et le manoirs de Myneheved, Culveton, et Karampton' ove le hundred de Karampton ove toutes lour appurtenantz. Des queux cynke mille marcz je me tiegne bien et loialment estre paiez et la dite Elizabeth quites par ycestes. En tesmoignance de quele chose a ycestes jay mys mon seal. Donne a Londres le vintisme jour de Novembre 1'an du regne le Roy Edward tierz pus le conquest cynquantisme. It is not known where this lady and her husband were buried, but probably at Dunster. It was to Sir Hugh Luttrell, son of Sir Andrew and Lady Elizabeth Luttrell, that Hugh Courtenay, Earl of Devon, descending from Sir Edward Courtenay (brother of Lady Elizabeth Luttrell) and Emeline Dauney, whose effigies are in Sheviocke Church, " gave and granted unto our clear and beloved cousin Hugh Luttrell, Knt., and Lord of D'onstarre, to wear our badge, viz., a white boar armed d'or, with this difference only, that he prut one double rose d'or in the shoulder of the said Boar, to have and to hold this badge of our gift to him and his heirs for ever. Dated Plymouth, 13 July 7 Henry V, 1418" (Cleveland). He was a man of considerable note, a member of the Privy Council, and the holder of several PARISH CHURCHES OF NORTH DEVON. 199 important offices and appointments. He married Katharine daughter of Sir John Beaumont of Shirwell, and widow of Sir John Streche, and died about 6 Henry VI, 1426. The signet of Sir Hugh, appended to a voucher of an account 1 Henry V, shews the badge of the family, a martlet. Sir James Luttrell, grandson of Sir Hugh, married Elizabeth daughter of Sir WUliam Courtenay (Visitation, 1620). She must have been a daughter of the Powderham branch, and this seems confirmed by an antient shield of glass in Dunster Church, which exhibits the arms of Luttrell impaling Courtenay, with a label of tJrree points azure, thereon nine plates argent, being the distinction of the Powderham branch. Sir WilUam Courtenay of Powderham (ob. 1485), who married Margaret BonviUe, had a daughter named Elizabeth, but she was married, according to Cleveland, to Sir Anthony Pointz of Acton, in Gloucestershire. This Lady Elizabeth LuttreU is buried before the high altar in Dunster Church, where, on a flat stone of alabaster, is her effigy incised. She is represented with an angular dependant head dress, cote-hardie, kirtle apparently of fur, and gown. Over this she wears a long robe or mantle, embroidered at the edges, and fastened across the breast by a cordon, with long dependant tassels. Her head rests on a cushion supported by angels, at her feet is a dog. On the ledger line is this inscription: — ©rate queso pro at'a tm'e eiijabeti) JLutterell que omit primo trie mensis g>eptemims anno tint m.c.c.c.c. nona= gesio tertt'o. J3unc ate te pett'mus mt'seref. qs qui tmsti retrime poitos noli campnare reoeinptos. The latter clause of the inscription may be read,— " Nunc, Christe, te petimus miserere : quesumus qui venisti redimere perclitos, noli dampnare redemptos. Another inscription records the following: — Hie jacent cvneres Annce, dilecics uxoris Francisci Luttrell, filice et heredis Caroli Stucley de Plymouth, armigeri. Quam post breve sed fdicissimum spatium vitas conjugalis, mors immatura abstulit. Vixit grata amicis, benigna pauperibus, omnibus cara ; obiit omnibus deflenda o<> die Octobris 1731, astat 23, relinquens unicam filiam, spem et solamen conjugis mcestissnue. 200 SEPULCHRAL EFFIGIES IN THE A branch of the Luttrells were settled at Hartland Abbey, by marriage of Andrew Luttrell with Prudence daughter of William Abbot, a descen dant of William Abbot, " Sergeant of the Cellar," to whom the site was granted 1545. In Hartland Church is a memorial for Nicholas Luttrell, probably sun of Sir Andrew (ob. 1634). From Luttrel it passed by a codieiress to Orchard (Lysons). flench End, Thorverton. Walleis. Thorverton.— On another antient carved bench end in this Church is a shield : — a fess ermine, a mullet for difference (Wallis) ; impaling, ¦within a bordure indented, on a chevron, three roses (Gilbert of Bowrings- leigh '?) The WaUeis family were of Baddon Court in this parish. " On 24th August, 1425, Thomas Walys and Isabella his wife were authorized by Bishop Lacy to have divine service performed in capeUa Sancti Johannis Baptiste apud est Baddon." (Oliver.) Bisdon speaks of the arms having been in a window there. Alice, daughter and heir of Hugh Walleis, temp. Henry VII, brought it in marriage to the Digby family. This does not appear to be the only remembrance to the family of Wallis once existing in Thorverton Church. Westcote nanates: — "Here I am grieved to see wrong offered to the deceased ; the monument of Wallis of Baddon (so they term the mansion house where he keeps his law courts) fairly beautified and inlaid in brass, utterly defaced ; it was a tribe of the chiefest rank, one of them a knight in the time of Edward I. The daughter and heiress of the last of the name brought this and other good inheritance to Digby in the time of Henry VII, of which tribe is Sir John Digby, Baron of Shireburn and Earl of Bristol." There are two other shields on these bench ends, sculptured with emblems indicative of agriculture, on one is a plough and a spade, on the other, a horse standing behind a tree. St. Clere. Clysthidon and East Budleigh. — In the genealogical shields of this family previously described, and found in these Churches, the PARISH CHURCHES OF NORTH DEVON. 201 quartering (three roundels and label), ascribed to Courtenay, should, with greater probability, at Clysthidon, be assigned to Hidon, whose coat armour, when exhibited without the distinguishing tinctures, may be easily mistaken for Courtenay, viz., (gules) three bezants, a label of three (argent), for Hidon of Hemiock, and a label of five for Hidon of Clisthidon. (Pole). Clist- Hidon, the antient inheritance of Hidon, was given by Sir John de Hidon in the latter end King Henry III, unto Sir William de Hidon, the younger son. His last successor, William de Hidon, had issue Isabel or Elizabeth, wife of Bichard St. Clere of TidweU, East-Budleio-h, and continued in the name of St. Clere unto Gabriel, who sold the same unto Edmond Parker, Esq., his brother-in-law, who sold the same unto John Periam of Exeter, Esq. The three roundels on the shield at Budleigh, doubtless also have aUusion to Hidon, instead of Courtenay, and the three goats passant, attributed to Chiverstone as foUowing Courtenay, should be assigned to an aUiance with a daughter of Halgewdl or Halwell, a descendant of the sister of Sir John Chiverston. The following will give, perhaps, a more correct reading of the large shield at Budleigh. John Ford of Ashburton, son and heir of William Ford of Chagford, married first, Joan daughter of WiUiam HalgeweU or Halwell, secondly, Joan daughter of WUliam Walrond (of Bovey ?) and widow of Gregory Huckmore, and Bench Ends, East Budleigh, A.D. 1534 202 SEPULCHRAL EFFIGIES IN THE lastly, Jone daughter of John Trowbridge and widow of St. Clere. The three coats in chief, on the shield, relate to his last alliance, the single one in base, to his first wife. The other large shield with crest and helmet are his own achievement proper. He died 7 May, 30 Henry VIII, five years after the date given on another bench end. Joan, his daughter by his first wife, married John St. Clere. George, his son, by his second wife, married Jone St. Clere, his thud wife's daughter by her first husband, Gilbert St Clere. (Visitation, 1620). Harpford. — On the bench ends in the north aisle of this Church, are the initials M.B., W.I., T.D. The last may probably belong to Thomas Bench Ends, Harpford. Drake (of the Exmouth family) antiently resident here ; Margaret, his daughter, married George Baleigh of FardeU. There is no clue to the history of the others. Holbeame. — This antient family, whose coat armour is included among the shields illustrative of the descent of Walrond of Bovey, formerly in Seaton Church, were of Holbeame, in East Ogwell ; " the inheritance," says Bisdon, " of a famdy so named, of whom I find fourteen generations, which ceased in John Holbeame the last of the male line whose sister married to Marwood." To this Polwhele adds, " the large old mansion at Holbeame was partly pulled down by Mr. Taylor a few years since. Mr. Taylor has now in his possession a very curious piece of oak, with the Holbeam arms carved screen, seaton church on it. It was placed over the chimney piece in the old mansion. The anus of the Holbeam family are also on the pillars of East-Ogwell Church." PARISH CHURCHES OF NORTH DEVON. 203 The peculiar device adopted by them is evidently allusive, and intended to display the whole-beam, or one of the principal timbers of a roof, heraldicaUy described as a chevron enarched. Drake. Axminster, dx — This antient family, the main branch of which were of Trdl, Axminster, and Ashe, Musbury, had their burial places in buth parishes. At Axminster the south transept was their chantry or burial place, and was caUed Trill or Drake's Aisle, and which they probably built. " The in terior," says Mr. Davidson, "was divided from the base of the tower by an open screen of carved oak, and was occupied as a pew by the Drake family, and a vault beneath it as their burial place, whde the 01d Buildings, Trui, x Axminster. walls exhibited many proud and vain memorials of their chivalry and lineage. Here were displayed among antient armour and banners, several shields of oak, charged with the armorial bearings of Drake in aUiance with the famUies of GrenviUe, Boteler, Cruwys, Yonge, Eveleigh, Bitton, Strode, and Keloway. The roof was similarly ornamented ; one of the pdlars was carved with the arms of Poulett, and the skreen with those of Trdl. Against the eastern wall stood a large freestone monument with several figures, the pedestal of which bore the following inscription: — " This monument in Trill lie is the monument of Sir John Drake, knt. and bart. & Jane his first wife ye dau'r of Sir John Yong of Culleton, knt & bart. by whom he had 2 sones & 1 daughter, viz., John, Walter & Elizabeth. His said wife Jane died 31 of July, Anno. Dom: 1652. " Two escutcheons supported by the figures exhibited the arms of Drake and Yonge, and a large shield at the top denoted in eight quarterings the early marriages of the family." Through the kind care of the late Mr. Davidson, this shield was preserved, and having been cleaned, was affixed to the tower wall. It has the foUowing bearings: — 1, A wyvern with wings displayed, and tail nowed (Drake) ; 2, On a chief, three cinquefoils (Bdlett); 3, On a f esse, three mullets (Hamp- x 204 SEPULCHRAL EFFIGIES IN THE ton); 4, Ermine, three bars (azure) (Offwell); 5, Ermine, on -a chief indented, three crosslets fitchee (Orwey); 6, Six lioncels ram- pant, 3, 2, 1 (Forde); 7, Two chevrons (De Esse, or Ashe); 8, Drake; and on an escutcheon of pretence in the centre, the arms of Ulster. The first alliance alludes to John Drake, who married Christian daughter and heiress of John and Alice Billett of Ashe, to whom the estate had descended by De Esse, Orwey, Offwell, Hampton, and Forde. He appears to have been the earliest member of the family of Drake settled in. East Devon. Four succeeding John Drakes married respectively daughters of Antage, Cruwys, Keloway, and Cole. Cotemporary with their burial place at Axminster, they appear to have erected a simdar chapel or aisle in Musbury Church, on the south side of the nave, called Drake's Aisle, and occasionally to have adopted both places for sepulture. There is a fine series of three pairs of kneehng effigies at the south east end of their aisle at Musbury ; the knights in complete armour with gold chains and ruffs, the ladies in black gowns, ruffs, caps, and chains. The first pair represent John Drake (the son of John Drake and Margaret Cole) and his wife. He was appointed steward of the conventual estates of Newenham Abbey by its last Abbot, Bichard Gyll, November 4th, 1533, at a salary of i"l 6s. 8d. per annum. Below is this inscription: — Here lyeth the body of John Drake of Ashe, Esq., and Amy his wife daughter of Sir Roger Graynfield, Knight, by whom he had issue six sons, viz., Barnard, Robert & Richard, whereof three lived at his death. He died 4 Oct. 1558; she died 18 Feb. 1557. The next pair represent his son Sir Bernard and his lady, Gertrude. He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth in 1585, and died of jail fever contracted at Exeter. His biography is given in Prince. Below the figures is this inscription: — Heere is the monument of Sir Barnard Drake, Knight, ivho had to wife Dame Garthruyd, the daughter of Bartholomew Fortescue of Fillegh, Esq., by whom lie had three sons and three daughters, whereof five vsere living at his death, viz., John, Hugh, Margaret, PARISH CHURCHES OF NORTH DEVON. 205 Mary, and Ellen; he died 10 Ap : 1586, and Dame Garthruyd his wife was here buried 12 Feb. 1601, unto the memory of whom John Drake, Esq., his son, hath set this monument, A.D. 1611. The last of the series of effigies is John Drake, son of Sir Bernard, and his wife Dorothy, daughter of WiUiam Button of Alston, Hants. Below is the foUowing inscription: — John Drake, Esq., was buried here 11 Ap. 1628. Dorothy Drake his wife 13 Deer. 1631. Dame Mary Rosewell wife of Sir Hugh Rosewell, Knt., buried here 4 Nov. 1643. Sir Hugh Bosewell was of Ford Abbey, which he sold to Edmond Prideaux in 1649. John Drake, son of John and Dorothy Drake, married Eleanor, daughter and coheir of John Lord Boteler of Bramfield. A flat stone with an almost obliterated inscription is found in the nave. Below, the impalement of a coat of arms is visible — a fess checquy between six cross crosslets. Elizabeth theU daughter married Sir Winston Churchdl, and was the mother of John ChurchiU, Duke of Marlborough, who was born at Ashe, 24 June, 1650. John, their son, was created a baronet in 1660; he, with his wife, were buried at Axminster as before observed, and both monument and aisle were destroyed about the year 1800, when the new south aisle was added to that Church. This baronet married secondly, Dionisia, daughter of Sir Bichard Strode of Newenham. Sir John, his son, rebudt Ashe House, and the title passed successively to his two brothers, Bernard and WUliam. A monument in the Drake aisle, Musbury, records the deaths of this generation : — Walter Drake second son of Sir John Drake, Knt. and Baronet, by Jane his first wife daughter of Sir John Yonge of Colyton. He was born at Trill 4 Feb. 1649, dyed at Exon unmarried, April 5, and was interred here Apl. 7, 1674. Sir John Drake, Bart, eldest son of Sir John Drake, Bart, by Jane his first wife. He was born at Lyme in Dorset, J any. 4, 1646. He dyed at Ashe unmarried March 9, and was buried here March 15 1083. Elizabeth the only daughter of Sir John Drake by Jane his wife; she was born Jany 5 1648, and was married to Sir John Briscoe of x2 206 . SEPULCHRAL EFFIGIES IN THE Boughton in Northampton, and of Ambetiey Castle in Sussex, Knight. She dyed at Boughton in Northamptonshire Nov. 9, and was interred here Nov. 17, 1694. Dame Judith the wife of Sir William Drake, Knt. and Bart; she was the second daughter of William Eveleigh of Holcomb in Ottery St. Mary, Esqr , by Anne his wife. She ivas baptized March 10, 1669, married to Sir WUliam Drake Ap. 5, 1687, dyed at Ashe May 8th and tvas interred May 1-1, 1701. She left behind her tivo sons John and WiUiam, and two daughters Elizabeth and Anne; she had another daughter, namsd Judith, born 12 Deer. 1690, dyed the same day and was interred here. This monument was erectsd by an affectionate grateful brother and a sincerely tender husbar.d. Sir William married secondly, Mary daughter of Sir Peter Prideaux. A flat stone records his death : — H. S. E. Sir William Drake, Knt and Bart, departed this life 28 Feby in the year of our Lord 1715, in the 57th year of his age. Below are the arms of Drake quartering Eveleigh and Prideaux. He was succeeded by his son Sir John Drake, to whom this inscription occurs : — Sir John Drake, Bart, eldest son of Sir William Drake, Knt. and Bart. He died at Aslie 4 Sep. 1724, aged 36. Sir William Drake, his brother, married Anne daughter of William Peere Williams, Esq. The baronetcy became extinct at his death in 1733. He was buried at Axminster. Arms of Drake, — argent, a wyvern with tvings displayed, gules. Crests, — 1, an arm proper holding a battle axe, sable, helved argent ; 2, a spread eagle gules. Their arms are found sculptured on the old buildings at Trill, and over the doorway of the domestic Chapel at Ashe. It is curious that this Chapel, which still remains tolerably entire, and was built or rebuilt (the stone being taken from the adjacent ruined Abbey of Newenham) toward the close of the seventeenth century, has a piscina in the south wall near the altar. Bishop Brantyngham, 21 Aprd, 1387, gi anted the privilege of a chapel to PARISH CHURCHES OF NORTH DEVON. 207 John Stretch and his mother Amicia,— " Dominus concessit licentiam Johanni Stretch de Ayssh, et Amieice matri ejusdem, quod possint face re celebrari divina per presbyterum ydoneum in presentia ipsorum sen eorum alterius in Capella sive Oratorio de Ayssh infra Parochiam de Mousbery situate" (Beg. vol. i, 172). The Ashe estate descended through the famUies of Stretch, Hampton, and Billett to Drake. In the chancel of Southleigh Church is the monument of Bobert Drake, brother of Sir Barnard (ob. 1586). It is of Ionic character, and has this inscription : — Armiger auratus hie jacet Robertus no-mime Dracus, Hie jacet Me pius pauperibus que bonus, Septe gnatos frugi et gnatas quinque venustas Parturiit conjux Elizabethia sibi, obiit 1600. March 30. Above are five shields: — 1, Drake, impaling, a chevron charged with three roundels, between three crescents ; 2, Drake, impaling, three rests (Granville) ; 3, Drake, impaling, a chuvron charged with a mullett, a label of three (Prideaux) ; 4, Drake, impaling, ermine, three battle axes in pale (Dennis) ; 5, Drake, impaling, a fess, between three fleur de lys. He married Elizabeth daughter of Humphry Prideaux of Thuborough, Devon, and had his residence at Wiscombe, where he was succeeded by his son WUliam, who married Philippa daughter of Sir Bobert Dennis of Holcombe BurneU, Knt. Sir Barnard's other brother Bichard was the ancestor of the Drakes of Sharledoes, whose descendant WUliam was created a Baronet in 1641. Another, and perhaps the eldest branch of the Drakes, was settled at Spratshayes, Llttleham, which place, Dr. Oliver says, they held under the Abbot and Convent of Sherborne, and was the original cradle of the family. They doubtless built the Drakes or Spratshayes aisle in Littleham Church, where the bosses in the roof and the winged angels supporting shields ranged along the cornice, have a rich effect. Some of these shields have a saltire sculptured on them, allusive, perhaps, to one of the patron saints of the Church, which is dedicated to S. Margaret and S. Andrew, or Bishop NevUle who presided over the See 1455-65. In the floor is a flat stone to the memory of Bobert Drake, (f-entleman, 30 September, 1628. He left 208 SEPULCHRAL EFFIGIES IN THE some substantial charities to the parish. He was born at Spratshayes, and was third son of Gdbert Drake of that place. His remains lie buried near those of his father and mother, according to the tenor of his wiU. An inscribed flat stone, probably commemorating these relatives, is now partially obscured by the seating. The following quaint lines conclude his epitaph: — Preachers and poor can say my death Was ended in a lively faith, The yearly gifts that I them gave, 'Till time be ended they must have. Below are the arms of Drake impaling,, an anchor. A notice of him is given in Prince. This Bobert styles himself cousin to Sir Barnard of Ashe, to whom he bequeaths a legacy of five pounds. Some other memorials occur near, John Drake, 1694; Katharine his wife 1692; John their son, 1.712. A descent of Drake was also resident at Dunscombe, Salcombe Begis, near Sidmouth. In the north aisle of Salcombe Church is a flat stone thus inscribed : — Here lyeth the body of George Drake who departed this life, 21 August, 1645. I know that my Redeemer liveth. And also Katherine Drake his sister who died 31 August, 1651 ; and Philip Drake the father of George and Katherine, who died 17 Septr. 1668. Below are the arms of Drake. This was a branch of the Littleham stock. PhUip Drake was named by his kinsman Bobert of Littleham, one of his feoffees for the charitable bequests in his will. Bridford. — " To the splendid skreen and pulpit in this Church, decked out in gold and blue, the artist can hardly do justice. This exquisite work must have been erected in the early part of King Henry VIII reign, when Walter Southcote (ob. 1550) was Bector. We trace his initials W.S., also the double rose and pomegranate, devices of the then reigning Sovereign and of his consort, Katharine of Arragon" (Oliver). PARISH CHURCHES OF NORTH DEVON. 209 Carew. Ottery-Mohun, Bickleigh, dr. — This antient seat of the Devon shire Mohuns and subsequently by marriage of the main branch of the Carews, who rebuilt it, is situate in a remote locality at the back of Dumpdon hdl, in the parish of Luppitt. It was unfortunately burnt down about twenty years since, and, of the original building only a few arches, a large fire place, and some other inconsiderable fragments remain. In the spandrils of the gateway are the arms of Carew and Mohun, and those of the entrance doorway contain the initials, JJ9.C, They probably relate to Sir Peter Carew (third son of Sir WUliam Carew of Mohuns -Ottery, Knt., by his wife Joan, daughter of Sir WdUam Courtenay of Powderham, Knt.), who doubtless rebuilt the house or that part of it. He succeeded his brother George, and died without issue, when Ottery-Mohun came to Cicely his sister, second wife of Thomas Kirkham of Feniton, and by their daughter Tho mazine to Southcote. The monument of this Sir Peter Carew, " a very noble knight and ex- ceUent soldier," is now affixed to the waU of the south tower of the Cathe dral, in Pole's time it stood next the tomb of Bishop Lacy on the north side of the chancel. Sir Peter is represented kneeling, in armour, bare headed with hands raised in prayer. On a scroll surrounding the figure is : — Credo camis resurrectionem et vitam ceternam. And above is this inscription : Viro nobilissimo D. Petro Carew, equiti aurato, est hoc structum monwmentum, qui obiit Rosas in Laginia Hibernias 27 Novemb. sepultus autem Waterfordias 15 Decemb. 1575. Below : — Felice chi puo. Seventeen shields of arms display Carew matched with Barry, Say, Gateway Arch, Ottery-Mohun. 210 SEPULCHRAL EFFIGIES IN THE Carminow, Courtenay, Huddesfeld, Dinham, Mohun, Fleming, Talbot, Bonvdle, Lercedeckne, Haccombe and others. Sir Edmund Carew of Ottery-Mohun (son of Sir Nicholas and Margaret Dinham, whose tomb, previously noticed, is in Westminster Abbey) married Katharine daughter of Sir WiUiam Huddesfield, whose tomb and brass effigies are in ShUlingford Church. He was killed at the siege of Terwin in France 5 Henry VIII. 1514, and left issue four sons — Wdliam of Ottery-Mohun, Thomas of Bickleigh, George of Upton Hilion, Crediton, and Gawen of Woocle, Kentisbeare. Sir William Carew of Ottery-Mohun (eldest son of Sir Edmond) married Joan daughter of Sir William Courtenay of Powderham and Margaret daughter of William Lord Bonville. By her he had three sons — -Sir George Carew, who " was drowned in a great ship caUed the Mary Rose, of which he was captain, sunk in the harbour at Portsmouth, and a great many gentlemen with him," 37 Henry VIII, 1545 ; Sir Peter, before referred to, who presumably rebudt Ottery-Mohun ; Sir Philip, Knight of Malta, and one daughter Cicely. Thomas Carew (seoond son of Sir Edmond) was of Bickleigh. He married Elizabeth only daughter of Humphry Courtenay, who, as seventh son of Sir Philip Courtenay of Powderham and Elizabeth daughter of Lord Hungerford, had Bickleigh given him for his portion. In his biography by Prince, he is described as being "of a martial spirit, young, lusty, of an active body and courageous mind," married his relative, "a young fortune, courted her, won her good will, which having obtained, he secretly by night carried her away and married her ; to the high dis pleasure of Sir Phdip Courtenay her grandfather, who had entrusted her to the keeping of Sir William Carew his elder brother." It is related also that this Thomas " begged the favour of answering the challenge of the valorous Scottish knight Andrew Barton before the battle of Flodden, which was granted him, and to his high commendation and great endear ment with the Lord Admiral ever after, Mr. Carew got the victory." His son John Carew (ob. 1588) married the daughter of Gilbert St. Clere of East Budleigh ; he was buried at Bickleigh, and the concluding portion of the epitaph has already been given in the notice of St. Clere. The PARISH CHURCHES OF NORTH DEVON. 211 inscription is on the table of a high tomb under an arch on the north side of the Chancel at Bickleigh, the following is the preceding portion : l£>eere lietl) the hoop of 3?olm Carem of 95icnletcjh esq., mho titeo the 5tl) Oap of December 1588. On the stone are the arms of Carew impaling St. Clere, and at the back of the arch Carew impaling Courtenay. Affixed to the waU over this tomb is a monument with a kneeling effigy of a man in half armour, with trunk hose and boots, holding a book in his hand. Behind him is a little child also kneehng. The inscription is gone. Above are the arms of Carew. On the wall near the south door is a monument with two busts in basso relievo, the man in skull cap with his hand on his breast, the lady with a book : — Heere under Ueth the body of Peter Carew Esquire, who died the 12th day of September 1634. jEtatis suas, Also Elizabeth his wife daughter of Sir Christopher Ghidley, died \7th day of Avgvste, 1619. Heere lies our bodies God hath our spirits Not for our owne but God's owne merrits. Above are the arms of Carew impaling Chudleigh. This Peter Carew was the son of Humphry Carew, the son of Thomas by a second wife. The effigy of Sir Henry Carew (ob. 1681), son of Peter, who married a daughter of Sir Beginald Mohun of Hall and Boconnoc, CornwaU, is at the east end of the south aisle. He is represented in armour, with long boots, flowing ha!r, and hand on his breast. Over him reclines his wife, in ruff, &c, with a book in her hand. The two daughters kneel at each end. Above is an achievement with twenty quarterings, and on the left Carew impaling Mohun. The inscription is obliterated. On the south waU is another monument with the effigy of a lady in Elizabethan costume, and below her a child in a cradle : — Carewe's davghter Eriseyes wife, Elizabeth that hight, Exchanged life for death to give a sonne this worlds light, To God she lived to God she died, young yeered in virtves old And left until it rise again, this tomb her corps to hold. An: Do: 1618. V 212 SEPULCHRAL EFFIGIES IN THE Arms : — Carew, impaling, sable, a chevron between three griffins' segreant, or (Eriseye). The Eriseyes were of Grade, Cornwall. In front of the communion table, on the ledger line of a flat stone, is : — Pit jacet fobs Drue (?) quotia: i&ectf tie Etcftlep, q: obiit rruiij ait mes gunii, anno Dni mccccc°^ri°. In the centre is inscribed : — Here lyeth the body of George Carew, late Parson of Bickley, who died eighth daye of Aprrill, 1610. Lysons adds another, not visible now, to Matthew Carew, Arch-Priest of Haccombe, 1684. George Carew, (third son of Sir Edmond) D.D., "addicted himself to the arts," and entering holy orders, became successively Archdeacon of Totnes, Dean of Bristol, Chantor of Salisbury, Chaplain and Dean of the Chapel to Queen Elizabeth, Dean of Christ Church, Oxford, Dean of Exeter, and lastly Dean of Windsor. He married secondly, Anne daughter of Anthony Harvey, Esq , by whom he had two sons Sir Peter, and George, Earl of Totnes, and one daughter, Mary married to Walter Dowrich. " From all his preferments growing rich, he rebuilded his house at Upton-HiUon, Crediton, which he left unto his son Sir Peter." Sir Peter Carew (eldest son of Dr. George Carew) appears to have been a valiant soldier, but no further particulars are known respecting him, except that like his cousin Sir Peter (third son of Sir WUliam Carew of Ottery-Mohun, and whose monument is now under the south tower), he met with his death in Ireland, and that the cross-legged figure in the under compartment of the Carew tomb in the Cathedral represents him. Sir George Carew (second son of Dr. George Carew) was a great statesman in the reigns of Queen EUzabeth and King James I. In 3rd James I (1606) he was created Baron Carew of Clopton, having married Joice, daughter and co-heir of William Clopton of Clopton in the county of Warwick, Esq. Subsequently he became Vice-Chamberlain and Treasurer to Anne, Queen of James I, Master of the Ordnance, and of the Privy Council. King Charles I, in the first year of his reign, 5th February, 1625, advanced him to the dignity of Earl of Totnes, of which place in his native county his father was formerly Archdeacon. He died at the Savoy, in London, 27th March, 162.9, and was buried in the Clopton PARISH CHURCHES OF- NORTH DEVON. 213 chantry in the Church of Stratford-on-Avon with his lady, " where on a noble monument the Earl and his Countess are represented lying side by side, in their robes and coronets, under an arch adorned by their coats of arms, in the nudst whereof is a fair marble table containing this large epitaph;" which is given at length by Prince. Mary, only daughter of Dr. George Carew, married Walter Dowrich, Esq., and in Sandford Church, on a brass, is represented her effigies lying on a tomb on which is inscribed "Memento Mori," and on each side are two chUdren kneehng. Below is this inscription : — Here lyeth ye body of Mary Dowrich, wife and widow of Walter Dowrich of Dowrich, Esqr., onely sister of George Lord Carewe, Earl of Totnes. Shee had issue one sone and three daughters, viz., Thomas who married Katherine daughter to John Stukely of Afton, Esq. ; Dorothy married to Thomas Peyton of Islam in Camb., Esqr.; Elizabeth married, to George Trobridge of Trobridge, Esqr. ; and Mary married to WiUiam Limsey, of Colby, in Norff., Esq. She departed this life in the true faith of Jesus Christ, the tenth of September, Ano. Dni. 1604. Above are the arms of Dowrich impaling Carew, the arms of her son impahng Stukely, and the alliances of her daughters. Sir Gawen Carew (fourth son of Sir Edmond) of Woode, Kentisbeare, "a great courtier belonging to Queen Elizabeth," married Mary (ob. 1558), widow of Sir Henry Guyldford, K.G., and daughter of Sir Bobert Wotton, K.G. ; her tomb in Kentisbeare Church has been already referred to. In the Chapel of St. Mary Magdalen, on the north side of the Lady Chapel in the Cathedral, is a large tomb of two storeys, containing three effigies, a knight in complete armour, bare headed and with ruff, and his lady in Elizabethan costume, in the upper compartment ; and a knight also in complete armour, his legs crossed (an unusual thing at this era) in the lower. All three have their feet resting on lions, and the cross-legged figure has the arms of Carew on his shield. Upon the frieze of the tomb is this inscription : — Walter Dowrich of Dowrich Esq, maried the only sister of this Sr Peter Carew under figured, elder brother to the Lord Carew, Baron of Clopton, which Sir Peter Carew, Knyght, was slayne in Ireland. f 2U SEPULCHRAL EFFIGIES IN THE Sculptured on another part of the tomb is the date 1589, and Polwhele says another date, 1581, was at the time of his visit just discernible in black paint on the wall at the back of the under figure. An inscription at the top records that : This monument erected A.D. 1589 in memory of Sir Gaweu Carew and Mary his u'ife, and of his nephew Sir Peter, eldest son of George Carew, D.D. (some time Dean of this Cathedral Church) and only brother of George Carew, Baron of Clopton and Earl of Totnes, was restored by members of the family, A.D 1857. The tomb is ornamented with a large array of armorial bearings illustra tive of the descent and alliances of Carew, and among the impalements, last on the series at the east end, is Harvey, on a bend, three trefoils slipped, relating to Anne, wife of George Carew, D.D., and mother of Sir Peter and the Earl of Totnes. Her father was buried in the north choir aisle, a short distance below the Carew monument. It is a high tomb, and on it is this inscription : — I^ere Ipeti) piaster anthonj) J|)atuep, esquire, tofjo 0[>eo the xxiii cape of jlape, flo. Dni. 1564. Sir Peter Carew, ob. 1575, fourth son of Sir WUliam Carew (and cousin ef Sir Peter, eldest son of Dr. George Carew,) who presumably rebuilt Ottery- Mohun, died at Waterford in Ireland ; his monument and effigy in the Cathedral have been previously described. The title of Baron Carew of Mulesford, borne by the Carews of Ottery- Mohun, is taken from Mulesford or Moulsford, a manor situate in the parish of Cholsey, near Wallingford in Berkshire. The manor of Mulesford was given by King Henry I. to Girardus Fitzwaiter, ancestor of the Carews, who in the reign of Henry III. were styled Barons Carru and Mulesford. They continued in possession of the manor till 1472, or perhaps later (Lysons). The grant of Mullesford was confirmed by King John in 1213, and Sir Nicholas (ob. 1313) was sum moned by writ temp. Edward I. by that title. He married Amisia sister of Sir John Peverell of Ermington. John, their eldest son (ob. 1324) married Eleanor heir of Sir William Mohun of Ottery-Mohun; Nicholas, third son, was ancestor of the Carews of Beddino-ton. PARISH CHURCHES OF NORTH DEVON. 215 Lysons speaks of the old mansion at Mohuns-Ottery as consisting of remains budt in the reign of King Henry VI., the chapel and haU having been pulled down a few years before. The portions left are of much later date. The old house is described as being of late Tudor erection, with a number of large stone-mullioned windows. Little of this structure now remains, and the sentence accorded to all things of human origin has had its fulfilment at Ottery-Mohun, where the original grandeur of this the antient nest of a noble rac3 has long departed. -,-„ ij ti$t~ji,fi' \< \.^ vv,<-* "$M \-,IA 'r;ac. -, '=£¦¦ i-:i'~h~ ¦>-]^^i:'''-r' Ottery-Mohun. A simdar fate has followed Bickleigh Court, although a much larger portion of it at present exists than is found remaining at Ottery-Mohun. It is situated on the west bank of the Exe, close to the stream, about a nule distant from Bickleigh, and nearly opposite the village. Most luxuriant masses of ivy cover the main walls, ruinous at the top, effectually hiding its architectural features, except where cut away from the windows ¦ of the first storey, which has been converted into a farm dweUing, In 216 SEPULCHRAL EFFIGIES IN THE the basement a finely groined entrance archway runs through the building, whose date may perhaps be assigned to the early part of the sixteenth century. Some poplars that skirt the entrance are also densely clothed with ivy, giving great picturesqueness of effect to the remains of this other olden home of Carew. — " The presence of perpetual change Is ever on the earth : To-day is only as the soil That gives to-morrow birth. Where stood the tower, there grows the weed ; Where stood the weed, the tower ; — No present hour its likeness leaves To any future hour." — L. E. Landon. More. Cullompton. — " Moorehayes," says Pole, "lyeth in the parish of Columpton the dwelling of an ancient famylye," from the time of Henry III. At the east end of the north aisle of Cullompton Church is the chantry of More of Morehayes in that parish, and where numerous members of the famdy are buried. A screen of late date, dividing the chantry from the chancel, has on the cornice a series of eight shields Ulustrative of the descent of More. 1. (Ermine) on a chevron (azure) three cinquefoils (or) (More) ; — impaling, a fess, between three metis legs (Gambon). WilUam GUbert of Compton married Elizabeth daughter of Gervais More of CuUompton, William his son married Elizabeth daughter of Walter Gambon of Moreston. (Pole). 2. More, impaling, on a chevron five guttie, between three storks. (Botour). John More married Elizabeth dauoliter and heir of John Botour of Exeter. 3. More, impaling, three escalhps (Clivedon). John More married Elizabeth daughter and heir of John Clivedon. Hee was a wise man, learned in the lawes, and a governor in this a PARISH CHURCHES OF NORTH DEVON. 217 country, and Uved to be an old man, and died anno 1 King Henry VIII. 1509." (Pole) His gravestone is in the More chantry: ©rate pro ata 3fobts jflore arincjri et eijjabeth uror eris q: quioain Sfohis rti oie itflarcii ao triii mcccccir, pretricta eiijabetb: obiit ...trie m ..ao o: m ...aib: ppcietur os. ame. License was granted in 1547 to John More of Collumpton and Elizabeth his wife, and to Jane relict of Henry Botour, to have oratories or chapels within their mansions. King Edward VI, 5 June 1551, leased to Sir John More, Knt., the entire Bectory and Church of CuUompton. 4. More, impahng, a cross lozengy, a chief? (StaweU). 5. More, impaling, a chevron between three oak trees, fructed ( f) 6. Three lions rampant (Chudleigh ?) impaling, More. Alice, daughter of John More, 17th Henry VI, married John June, Chief Justice of the King's Bench ; secondly she married John Chudleigh. 7. WaUond of Bradfield, impaling More. John Walrond of Bradfield, married Margaret, daughter John More. 8. More, impaling a bridge of three arches. (Strowbridge). Maurice More, eldest son John (ob. 1509) married Cicely daughter of John BonvUle of Combe-Baleigh, natural son of WUliam the last Lord Bonvdle, and died during his father's Ufetime. A gravestone at the entrance of More's Chantry (but formerly inside) records : — pit jacet COillielms Jflore generos: ac JBaurici; JHore frat: ejus, necnon £>orotbea itr: poet mUli ac oes eorum COillt et JBorotbea filii, q: qo: (KHflT ab ac luce micjrabit bj ait 'Dual ao tint mccrccrbtij qu: antb : ppciet treus aine\ At the base of this stone are the outlines of father and mother, two sons and two daughters, the indents of brasses of small size. Humphry More son of Maurice, married Agnes, daughter of Sir Lewis Pollard, whose monument is in Bishops-Nympton Church. On a gravestone in the chantry is incribed : — pit jacet Jflast : $utrio : jflore ariger : onus oe jlflorebe : isti ecclie special: bnfacto: et 3gnes uror eris q: qo : Piifxa obiit 20 oie &gsti ao 0: 1537. quo: aib: ppcietur Oeus. 218 SEPULCHRAL EFFIGIES IN THE On adjoining flat stones : — Here Ueth the body George More of Morehayes, who departed this life the day of Feby. Anno Dom. 1669. Arms : — More, impaling two crescents between three estoiles. He was the eldest son of John More (great grandson of Humphry) by his first wife Cicely daughter of George Sneg, Baron of the Exchequer. Here Ueth the body of John More, sone of Richard More, Gent: of this parish who departed this life 30 June 1658. Also here Ueth the body of Richard More, Gent. who departed this life the 8th day of June, Anno Dom. 1674. The last male heir of this family according to Lysons died in 1711, the heiress married Blackmore. In the Church is a flat stone : — ptvt Ipetb ptnviti 33lakemore, or 35elplano (?) geoman, mho ...oa» of 3fulii anno Oom: 1590. Cullompton. In this Church are a number of antient gravestones of considerable interest. fifere Igetfj Cfjomas dtocke : inartfjaunt, Snhudje tocpactgto tjjjjs present Igffe ntj of 3ulg. &c. torn. 15A9. In the centre of the stone is incised the sacred heart and monogram I. H. S. within it. %m Igetl) IE... the faife of ©cornje Cokram, mavchante, irifjo ticccaseti tfje ut toaoe of JJanuarg ano. to. 3572 The Cockerams occur in the Visitation for 1620. Their arms, argent on a bend sable, three leopards' heads or. In the Chancel : — p?tc jacet Unus SoIjes SUcbbcc ijuj : cedes : ut'earfus cujus ate ppcictur toeus. 3mcn. John Webber was admitted vicar 28th January, 1461, died about 1480. flfic jacet -Korferi Stotknta: quota: bicart (LJUisfortoef?) q: obiit xuitt tote IBecebr. 1585 (?) cu : ate ppcict : tocu'. Imen. In the will of Boger Stockman, Clerk, 18th November 1545, we read, PARISH CHURCHES OF NORTH DEVON. 219 " Lego nove Turri de Collumpton as moche as will pay for a foot© square." (Oliver.) Two Merchants, — f^ete IteUj 3oI)n Cole of dollumpton, martfjant, anto lElfjabetfj Ijts totfe fojjo toeceaseto Ifje 28 of fflarclj 1564. pfere lietk tije botog of James Skinner of ffollutnpton merchant, tofta toeceaseto 27 of Wtctb. 1616. J^ac itut ato supetog. Hartland Abbey. This antient foundation, dedicated to S. Nectan, a saint described by Leland as coming from Wales, and a martyr whose place of burial was at Hartland, has shared the common fate of destruction that has foUowed the majority of our Devonshire monasteries. " A community of secular Canons," says Dr. Oliver, " was attached to the Church of S. Nectan at a very early period, but Galfridus ths son of Oliver de Dynham, Lord of the Manor and Hundred of Hartland, whose property was very extensive both in Devon and CornwaU, procured the Ucence of King Henry II. to change these secular into regular canons of the order of S. Augustine, and to found a monastery for them. Bar tholomew, Bishop of Exeter between the years 1157 and 1184, confirmed this transfer, which the founder seems to have left to the management of his friend Bichard Toclive of Ilchester, archdeacon of Poictiers, and after ward Bishop of Winchester, who was a considerable benefactor to the new estabhshment." King Bichard I. granted the community the ominous right of a gaUows within the manor of Stoke S. Nectan. The Dinhams and their representatives continued the patrons of Abbey up to the time of the dissolution of religious houses, and it is probable members of their famdy were occasionally interred in its Conventual Church. Oliver de Dinham, grandson of the founder, appears to have been buried in the Church of the Friars-Prsedicant in Exeter, but Muriel, wife of Sir John Dinham, great grandson of the last named Oliver, was buried at Hartland. On 11 Sept. 1374 Bishop Brantyngham granted an indulgence of forty days to all true penitents who should pray for the soul of the Lady Muriel Dynham, " cujus corpus in Monasterio de Hertylond requiescit humetum." This conclusively shews she was not buried at Kings-Carswell, as has been surmised, and the arms on the tomb also 22 0 SEPULCHRAL EFFIGIES IN THE testify, that the effigies there of the Lady with the Knight do not represent her, but the other single figure in that Church, or the effigy at South-Pool, may possibly be cenotaph to her memory. For her descent, and a further account of Dinham, see the preceding notice of that family. A Sir John Dinham, probably her husband, is said by Pole to have died 5th Bichard II, 1382; this is a near approach to the date of the costume on the Kings-Carswell tombs. "Hartland Abbey," says Polwhele, "the house of Paul Orchard, Esqr., stands exactly on the same spot as the Abbey did, the north wing is part of it ; the hall, which was seventy-two feet long and of a proportionable breadth, and likewise the cloisters, were tUl lately quite perfect and unaltered, the latter are now pulled down ; and as the present house in order to a°"ree with the antient part now standing is built in Gothic style, the cloisters are introduced in the basement story, in the eastern and western views of it ; over one of the arches is an inscription in very old characters. In making the late alterations, several beautiful tdes, many fragments of columns, and richly ornamented gilded mouldings, a monument of a Knight of Jerusalem (crusader ?), and several antique tombstones were dug up, but almost every trace of a letter or inscription was worn away." This ancient inscription, in fine Lombardic letter, is thus read by Dr. Oliver : — ISTVD: QVRADRATAM: CLVSTRM: DIVERSIFICATVM : MARMOREO : LAPIDE : PERFECTVM: SVMPTIBVS : ET : ANXIS : ABBATIS : AC : ARTE : JOHIS : SIT : EI : GRA : John of Exeter occurs as Abbot, 17th April 1308. In consequence of the improvement of the finances of the Abbey by his zeal and industry, two Canons more were added to the community, and he seems to have rebuilt the cloisters, as the inscription on them testifies. He tendered his resignation on account of bodily infirmities, 18th September 1329, and died shortly after." Polwhele gives a somewhat different reading of the inscription. Fifteen Abbots appear to have presided over the Abbey, ending with Abbot Thomas Pope, who surrendered his monastery, 21st February 1539. Two coats of arms are given : 1, Argent, a crozier in pale or, surmounted by a stag's head caboshed sable, homed, gules ; 2, Gules, a bend between PARISH CHURCHES OF NORTH DEVON. £21 three pears slipped or. The first device is similar to Abbot Chard's at Ford Abbey, and the arms of the Abbey of Buckfastleigh. It evidently has aUusion to the names of the monasteries. Haydon. Woodbury, Ottery S. Mary, dr. — The earliest memorial to this antient famUy is in Woodbury Church. In the north aisle is a flat stone (the larger portion of which is hidden by a seat), and on it a matrix that formerly was fiUed with brass escutcheons and labels, and the name Haydon. " Is it not," asks Dr. Oliver, " the tomb of Bichard Haydon, Gent., who was steward to Bishop Veysey, and by his will dated 2nd Aprd, 1533, desires to be buried in Woodbury Church near his wife Jane ? " This is the Bichard Haydon of Bowood and Ebford, said, in the Visitation 1620, to have married first, Joane daughter of — Morris of oh seats. Northleigh church. Trent, and secondly, Agnes daughter of — Merifield. His second son by his first wife was John Haydon, Esq., of Cadhay, which fine old mansion he budt, and which stiU remains with its quaint quadrangle of the kings, (Henry VIII, and his three Sovereign children), a noble monument of his taste. Prince describes him as having been a Bencher of the Inner Temple, and a man of large generosity, who also " obtained from King Hemy VIII a Charter for incorporating the parish of Saint Mary Ottery, and was the first Governor of that corporation himself. He procured from that King letters patent for the founding of a Grammar School in that town also, and was very instrumental to get it well endowed." He appears to have married Joan the widow of Bobert Grenville, who was cousin-german and heir of Joan Cadhay of Cadhay. They are both buried under a high tomb on the north side of the altar of Ottery Church, with this inscription : — pit jacet Johannes |>ap&an at Caobap, armiger, et fobauna uror ejus, consanguine et bares Bfobauna' CaObap, qua? fuit uxor i£mgons <£>tenbile generosi. ©tit quioem Johannes fuit primus (Subemator incorporatus bujus parocbiae et obiit sine eiitu noni ait jfflartii, anno Domini 1587. Oicta 222 SEPULCHRAL EFFIGIES IN THE autein 3fobanna obiit sine eritu oecimo nono oie Decembris, anno Domini 1592. pro qutbtts laus sit Deo. Over the south porch inside is a long elegaic inscription to his memory and the date 1618. "The original door in the southern porch which was budt by John Haydon stdl remains, and the iron handle bears the initials and date 'J. H., 1571.'' The royal arms are within the porch above the doorway, with the following inscription over them : — HE THAT NO IL WILL DO DO NOTHYNG YT LANG YTO. J. H. Under the arms : — IN TE. DOMINE, SPERAVI, NON CONFUNDEB, ; IN STERNUM. (Cornish). George Haydon, next brother of John, was of Hornshayes, and subsequently of Farwoocl, Colyton. His arms were carved on an old seat in Northleigh Church, and there still exists in the parlour window at Farwood the family escutcheon with five quarterings : — 1, Argent, three bars gemelles azure, on a chief gules, a fesse dancette or (Haydon); 2, Ermine, three battle axes sable (Wyke); 3, Argent, within a bordure engrailed two chevrons gules ; 4, Ermine, two glazier's irons in saltire gules (Tytherleigh); 5, Argent, two chevrons azure, within a bordure engrailed gules, a martlet for difference (Tyrell ?); 6, Argent, ten torteaux, a label of three azure (Babington). Thomas Haydon of Bowood, eldest son, brother of John and George, married Joan daughter and heir of Bichard Wyke of Honichurch. Thomas, eldest son of Thomas, married Christian daughter and heir of Bobert Tytherleigh of Tytherleigh. George (as did John) died issueless, and was buried in Farway Church 1558. Bobert Haydon (ob. 1626) son of Thomas and Christian Tytherleigh, married Joan daughter of Sir Amias Paulet, Knt. Two of his children are buried in Ottery Church : — PARISH CHURCHES OF NORTH DEVON. 223 Epitaphium Amicii Haydon filii Roberti Haydon, armigeri, qui obiit 12 Januarii An. Dom. 1614. Quis jacet hie, quasris, percussis vulnere mortis ? Virtutis socius nobilis, alter Ajax : Mortuus, ah ! dixi ? revoco, sic esse videtur In caslis vivit nescius ille mori. The other:— Sara Haydon, filia Roberti Haydon, armigeri, Quas obiit 24 Aprilis, An. Dom. 1620. Apollo moist this tomb with tears, For such great loss in tender years ; Virtue's hope now is dead, And fro' Earth to Heaven fled; Wits perfection with pure spirit Doth an angels place inherit ; Stay in that celestial skie Where thou shalt live and never die. This Bobert Haydon was buried at Woodbury. In the Church is a flatstone to him, with the arms of Haydon impaling Paulet, and the date 1626. Gideon his son (ob : 1663) was buried at Ottery. He married Margaret daughter of John Davie of Creedy, Esq., and by her had twelve chUdren. John, the second son, probably emigrated eastward, a quarrel of glass found among the old stores of a local glazier, (Colyton) and taken from some farm house near, has on it the crest of Haydon, — a lion argent seizing a bull sable, a crescent for difference, and the initials " J.H." Gideon son of Gideon Haydon buried at Ottery, 1706. Tytherleigh. — An ancient famdy located at a place of the same name on the southern border of Chardstock parish, at its juncture with Axminster. The old mansion has been entirely modernized to the wants of a farm house, but the origi nal entrance gateway, a lofty obtuse arch On Gateway Arch, Tytherleigh. 224 SEPULCHRAL EFFIGIES IN THE of striking appearance, flanked by a wall of splendid race-work of squared flint, still remains intact, and has been carefully repaired. Over the arch are the aims of Tytherleigh : — ermine, two glaziers clipping irons in saltire gules, impaling, a chevron between three crowns, apparently. They appear to have resided here from the middle of the thirteenth century, and intermarried with several influential Devonshire famUies at various times, Fry, Pole, Haydon, and others. (Visitation, Devon, 1620/ The family has been loner extinct. In Chardstock Church were formerly some memorials to the Tytherleighs, which seem to have disappeared at the rebuddino- of the Church. One inscription recorded in The Book of the Axe ran thus : — In memoriam Roberti Tyderleigh, de Tyderleigh, armigeri, antiquitate generis satis clari, qui diem obiit 29 Mar. 1671. A niia uxor reliquit hoc posuit. Holland, Duke of Exeter, St. Ledger, &c. — The white hart lodged, the cognizance of King Bichard II, is in the porch at Dartington, which mansion and demesne, long the property of the Martyns, came to Nicholas Lord Audlegh, by marriage with Joan, sister of WUliam, the last Lord Martyn, ob. 1326. All his sons dying without issue, Dartington became escheated to the Crown, and it was given by Bichard II to his half- brother John Holland, Duke of Exeter. John HoUand was second son of Sir Thomas Holland, K.G. (ob. 1361), and Joan Plantagenet (the Fair Maid of Kent) only daughter of Edmond of Woodstock, sixth son of King Edward I, by Margaret daughter of John, Lord Wake. The Princess Joan afterwards married Edward the Black Prince, and dying at Wallingford in 1386 was buried in the Church of the Friars-minors at Stamford. By her second husband she was mother of King Bichard II, who in 1388 created his half-brother Earl of Huntingdon, and appointed him his Chamberlain, and subsequently advanced him to the dignity of Duke of Exeter, and Governor of Calais. But on a charge of conspiring against his brother-in-law Henry IV he was beheaded and buried at Pleshy in Essex, in the first year of that monarch's reign. He, John Holland, married Elizabeth (ob. 1426) second daughter of John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, and surviving this her PARISH CHURCHES OF NORTH DEVON. 225 first husband, she married secondly Sir John Cornwall, K.G., who signalized himself at the battle of Agincourt, and was created by Henry V, Baron Fanhope. She was buried at Burford, Shropshire, the antient seat of the Cornwalls. Hugh de Courtenay, son of Hugh de Courtenay and Elizabeth daughter of Guy Lord Brian (their aims are among the antient stained glass in the Cathedral), married Matilda daughter of Thomas HoUand, Earl of Kent, and Joan Plantaganet, the Fair Maid of Kent (Cleveland); she must have been sister to John, Duke of Exeter. This Hugh died young in 1377 leaving no issue by his wife. Pole caUs her Joan. John HoUand, second son of John, was restored to the Dukedom of Exeter by King Henry the VI. He died 26th Henry VI, 1448, and was buried in the Chapel of S. Catherine, near the tower, at the north end of the high altar. His tomb and effigies are further described. Henry HoUand, Duke of Exeter, son of John, was a stout supporter of the Lancastrian interest, and shared the unhappy fortune of that house both at Towton and Barnet. Beduced to great distress he was at last found dead in the sea betwixt Dover and Calais, 13th Edward IV, 1473 (Prince). He married Anne, eldest daughter of Bichard Plantaganet, Duke of York (slain at Wakefield, 1460), and sister of King Edward IV. After his death she married Sir Thomas St. Leger, Knight of the body to that monarch. The St. Legers were of Annery, Monkleigh, North Devon. Sir Bichard Hankford (ob. 1446) nephew of Chief Justice Hankford married twice, first to Elizabeth daughter of Fulk, Lord Fitzwarren, by whom he had Thomazine wife of Sir WUliam Bourehier (ancestor of the Earls of Bath), and secondly Anne daughter of John Montacute, Earl of Salisbury, by whom he had Anne wife of Thomas Butler, Earl of Ormond and WUtshire. Their daughter Anne married Sir James St. Leger, of whom, says Westcote, "are aU the St. Legers in Devon." The house and manor of Annery fell unto the portion of Sir James and Anne Butler his wife ; they had issue Sir George (sheriff of Devon 22 Henry VIII.) (Pole). In Monkleigh Church is a brass in the shape of a scroll supported by two angels thus inscribed. — ©rate pro ata ^acobie g>epntleg. flrmig. qui obiit biij oie mes februarti anno tint mccccri cuj : aie pjjeiet oe .— <3men. 226 SEPULCHRAL EFFIGIES IN THE Below is a shield — Fretty, a chief, thereon an annulet for difference (St. Leger), impaling, a chief indented (Butler). Westcote says there were " some other remembrances of Dame Anne St. Ledger, the foundress of the Chancel, and wife to Sir George St. Ledger," as being in Monkleigh Church. She was daughter of Edmond Knivett, Esq. He also gives the foUowing inscription as then existing upon a stone in Sherwill Church : — Orate pro anima Blanchas St. Leoger, filice Willielmi Bourehier, Domini Fitzwarren, uxoris Bartholomasi St. Leoger quas obiit 4to die Januarii A.D. 1483. Cujus animcc propitietur Deus. Anne, Duchess of Exeter, ob. 1475, is buried in the Butland Chapel in the Chapel Boyal, Windsor. " This chapel was founded by Sir Thomas St. Leger for the interment of his wife ; on the north wall is a copper plate gUt, on which are engraven the figures of the founder in armour, with his surcoat (tabard ?) and his lady in robes with a ducal coronet. In the centre is the monument of George Lord Boos (ancestor of the Dukes of Butland) and Anne his wife daughter of Sir Thomas St. Leger, and the Duchess of Exeter" (Lysons). Arms of Holland, Duke of Exeter : — Gules, three lions passant or, within a. bordure azure, charged with fieur de lys of the second. Crest. — The royal lion, on a chapeau, gorged with a collar azure, charged with fleur de lys or, and ducally crowned. Cleveland makes this Sir George St. Ledger (Sheriff of Devon, 22nd Henry VIII), and who was knighted at Tournay in that monarch's reign, to be the son of Sir Thomas St. Ledger and Anne, widow of Henry Holland, Duke of Exeter and sister of Edward IV, which Sir Thomas was put to death for conspiring against Bichard III ; and that George Courtenay, obiit vita patris, (Sir William Courtenay of Powderham, ob. 1536) married Catharine daughter of Sir George. Beaufort, Duke of Exeter. — Thomas Beaufort, Earl of Dorset, fourth son of John of Gaunt and Catharine Swinford, who led the rereward at the battle of Agincourt, between the forfeiture of that title, was in 1416 created Duke of Exeter for Ufe, and among other grants a pension of £40 per annum was assigned him out of the city of Exeter. He died in 1426. ^ PARISH CHURCHES OF NORTH DEVON. 227 In digging* among the ruins of Barking Abbey, a stone was found with this inscription : — THOMAS BEWFORD DUX DE EXCETR, DNS, AN: DNI. M.CCCOXXX. It seems to have been the key-stone of an arch. On the fragment of another stone was : MR. HARRI BEWFORD WYCHR. It is probable that both the Duke of Exeter and his brother Cardinal Beaufort (Bishop of Winchester), were benefactors to the Monastery (Lysons). Margaret Beaufort his niece, second daughter of John Beaufort, Duke of Somerset, his eldest brother, married Thomas Courtenay, Earl of Devon, beheaded after the battle of Towton. Arms of Beaufort. Duke of Exeter : — The arms of England, within a bordure gobony, argent and azure. Erchedekne. Haccombe, — Anthony, Cornwall, — and the Cathedral. — Of this antient famUy was Sir Thomas, Governor of Tintagel Castle, who was summoned as a Baron to Parliament 14th to 18th Edward II (1325). John his son, who had the like summons 16th Edward III (1344), married Cicely daughter and heir of Sir Jordan de Haccombe of Haccombe. Sir Waryn, his son, (who is also said to have been a baron by writ of summons), married Elizabeth daughter and co-heir of John Talbot of Castle-Bicard, by whom he had three daughters, Phdippa, wife of Sir Hugh Courtenay of Haccombe, whose effigies are in the Church there, Margery, wife of Sir Thomas Arundel, and Eleanor, wife of Walter Lacy, from whom Corbet of Shropshire is descended. (Pole). Margery Erchedekne, wife of Sir Thomas Arundell, is buried in Anthony Church. On a flat stone in front of the altar is her effigies in brass, in excellent preservation. She has a large pillow head-dress with coverchief, gown and long sleeves, the cuffs guarded with fur, and a girdle orna mented with roses round her waist. At her feet is this inscription : — Pit jacet Jfflargeria arunoell quonOa ona o' €st. amon: filta caJariu €rcbeoefene militis que obiit rrbj oie ©ctobr ao Ono mccccrr cu. ate pnctet: oe'. aa 22£ SEPULCHRAL EFFIGIES IN THE There are the indents of two shields of arms above the figure. Maro-ery Arundel dying without issue, Anthony passed to her sister Philippa, wife of Sir Hugh Courtenay, whose daughter Joan married Sir Nicholas Carew of Ottery-Mohun (ob. 1447), who gave it to his fourth son Alexander. Numerous monuments to the descendants of this branch of the Carews are in the Church, inclusive of Bichard Carew (ob. 1620), author of the Survey of Cornwall. In S. Gabriel's Chantry in the Cathedral, on a flat stone, is the foUowing : — pit jacet JWagist: Jttaetins I' Crceoeune quonom canomcus huis ecclte, qui obiit itij oie mensis anrilts anno Dni, millmo ccccrrriij • cuis ate ppcietur T>'a. amen. Of cotemporary date, and probably a near relation of Margery Arundell. Ferrers, — Willoughby de Broke. Beer-Ferrers. — The curious augmen tation of five rudders on the shield of Ferrers, found on a bench end at Beer-Ferrers, appears to have reference allusively to its maritime situation. In the roof of the porch the same badge occurs on a shield on one of the bosses, on others are sculptured the arms of Ferrers, Cheney, and Latimer. It also occurs surmounted by a- rose on the tomb of Lord Willoughby de Broke in CaUington Church. Here it appears to follow Ferrers, whose large property in Beer-Ferrers he inherited through his wife Blanche, daughter of John Champer nowne, brother of Boger Champernowne, who married Joan daughter and heiress of Martyn Ferrers. The gravestone of Boger (formerly in the north transept, and now removed to the churchyard) is further described in the Paper on the South Devon Effigies. On another bench end is the achievement of Willoughby de Broke as at Callington. Bobert, Lord Willoughby de Broke, (son of Lord Willoughby de Broke, Bench Endj Beer- Ferrers. PARISH CHURCHES OF NORTH DEVON. 229 ob. 1501, buried at Callington) married first, Elizabeth daughter of Bichard Lord Beauchamp, of Powike, Worcestershire, secondly, Dorothy daughter of Thomas Grey, Marquis of Dorset. By his first wife he had one son Edward, who deceased before his father. By his second wife, he had two sons who perished by the sweating sickness; that rapid and fatal malady which ' desolated so many western homes about this time ; and two daughters, EUzabeth, married to John Poulett, Marquis of Winchester, and Anne wife of Charles, Lord Montjoy, upon whom he settled the larger portion of his estate. By his will dated 10 October, 1521, he ordered his body to be buried in the Hospital of the Savoy, London, but departing this life shortly afterward by a pestilential air, 10th November 13 Hemy VIII (1522), was buried in the Church of Beer-Ferrers. (Baronage). In the north transept is a large high tomb of Purbeck marble, of Late Transition character. Below in panels are shields with classic wreaths around them; there are no charges on the escutcheons, and it is probable they were once covered with brasses. The cover stone is plain, but around its edge is a deeply sunk indent in which was originaUy the inscription on brass. The era may be referred to about 1520-50, and it may with great probabdity be considered to be the tomb of the second Lord WiUoughby de Broke. Behind the holy table is a large slab of Purbeck marble, with three large panels of wheel tracery, surrounded by a border of small quatre- foUs. Below is a part of a cornice, or string course, of boldly carved foliage with single roses. This must either have been a portion of the antient altar, or portions of a high tomb. The antient stained glass has recently been replaced in the Chancel window. The figures unquestionably represent the same persons whose effigies are on the tomb below, strikingly corroborated by the peculiarities of the lady's head-dress ; and probably represent Sir William Fereys or Ferrers, and his wife Isota (?) who flourished here 17th Henry III (1243), an era in consonance with the armour and costume, and who were doubt less the Founders or re-builders of the Church. This is evidenced by the figure of the knight, who is kneeling and holding a church in his hands, over his head is the inscription in Lombardic letter, "wills fereys me fecit;" he is clad in gilded chain mail, genouillers of plate, long sword, aa* 230 SEPULCHRAL EFFIGIES IN THE ailettes on the shoulders, and on which are emblazoned, as also on his surcoat, the sable bend and silver horse shoes of Ferrers. Below him, on a shield, are the arms of his wife, apparently Carminow, azure, a bend or, a label of five points gules. This coat, with that of Ferrers, is repeated alternately in the border. The lady kneels with her hands raised in prayer, on her robe is embroidered the arms of Ferrers. The legend over her head has been confused, and is undecipherable. A melancholy interest is attached to these, perhaps the most valuable remains of antient stained glass to be found in the county. It was here the gifted Charles A. Stothard met his death, whde engaged in making a drawing of it for the Bev. D. Lysons, 28th May 1821. He fell from the ladder on which he was standing, striking against the tomb below, his pencil even being broken in his hand. His remains rest just outside the window, where there is a tombstone to his memory, with a long inscription now nearly illegible. Yarde. Honiton Clyst, — In the north aisle, in the Founder's place, is a tomb of interesting character, thus inscribed on the table : — i^ere Ipetb 3fobn j9artu\ esquier, mbo enoeo this Ipffe the tbirOe of jWape, ano 3foice bis mpffe, . . 1575. Over is an escutcheon, parted per pale, baron, Yarde quarterly with Ferrers, a crescent for difference; femme, in chief quarterly, 1 and 4, argent, two bars azure, in chief three torteaux, a label of three (Grey) ; 2 and 3, or, a maunch gules (Hastings) ; in base, 1, between three bars, azure, six martlets (?) 3, 2, 1 ; 2, gules, seven mascles or; 3, azure, a cinquefoil ermine, pierced, (Ashley ?) 4, Grey ; a crescent for difference. This is the tomb of John, second son of Bichard Yarde of Bradley, Esq., and Elizabeth daughter of Walter Bamfield of Poltimore. He was of Treasurers-Bere, and married Joice daughter of Sir Edward Grey, Knight. Mr. Yarde is celebrated for taking an active part in the dispersion of the rebels, temp. Edward VI, who, after their defeat at the battle of Fenny- bridges, retreated to Honiton-Clyst bridge, which, says Bisdon, " was strongly barricadoed and kept by them, that it greatly hindered the Lord Gray to PARISH CHURCHES OF NORTH DEVON. 231 join battle with them, until John Yarde a valiant gentleman, gave the first adventure to make way over the river;" from whence they retired to the lower end of Clyst Heath, where after a bloody fray they were totaUy routed. Edward Yarde, his grandson, is commemorated by a handsome monument over, there is a quaint poetic inscription, but it is illegible. Below is a small effigy of the deceased in his shroud. Arms : — Yarde, with helmet, and crest, in a ducal coronet, a swan sitting and holding an eel in its be:ik ; and on another shield, three lampagoes (man-tigers) in pale, passant regardant, (Badford). He married Bridget, daughter of Lawrence Badford, of St. Leonard's, Exeter, Esq. The Yardes probably built this aisle, which is almost identical in design with the Drake aisle at Musbury. Strode. Plympton. — The antient effigies in this Church have been described in the Paper on those found in South Devon. It may be added however that the effigy of Bichard Strode (ob. 1464,) and who desires in his wdl to be buried near his father's gravestone, was probably the son of John Strode, who married the daughter of Burley of Clannacomb, Esq., and he Bichard married Margaret daughter of Henry Fortescue of Wood, Esq. In the same aisle is a large mural monument with three kneeling effigies, the male in the centre clad in half armour and trunk hose, on each side a lady, and below in a panel the busts of ten chddren in bas-relief. Gubiculwm Gulielmi Strode, Equitis aurati, et in isto ordine tandem antiquissimi Familia satis clari sed religione integritate morum consilio Justicia Publica Generosa hospitalitate rebus probe et fasliciter gestis longe clarioris Qui et septem filiarum quinq : nuptarum equitibus nexu lugati Et arctiori nexu plurium virtutum Devonias suas gluten, et Oraculum diu substitit Is duarum uxorum unanimi fretus consortio, Mariae ut Dionysiae 232 SEPULCHRAL EFFIGIES IN THE Quare ex altera decern suscepit liberos ex altera serius soiamen clierum et operum sudur obclormivit In gremio terrae matri s cum sorore vermicula, et ultima propinquitate naturae decumbens conquerentibus amicis. In te occidit spes omnes et fortuna nostri nominis donee nominis generisq : discrimen communi gloria resurrection! s et solius affinitate Christi evanescit. Occidit Jwuii 27, 1637. JUtate suce 70. Patri Gulielmo, matri Marias et Dionysias quasi matri Monument nm hoc posuit Gvlielmus Strode. Above an escutcheon of arms : — Strode, quartering, 1, Courtenay ; 2, Gules, a chevron argent, between three fish naiant (Middleton) ; 3, Argent, on a chevron azure, three fish or (Peniles) ; 4, Fortescue, with a crescent for difference; 5, Argent, a chief sable, over all three spears, points erect, (Burleigh) ; 6, Or, three bendlets sable; 7, Argent, three eagles displayed gules (Doddescombe). Crest : a (savin) tree, vert, fructed gules. Motto : Hieme Viresco. Below four shields: — 1, Strode; 2, Argent, a chevron gules, betioeen three coots (Southcote) ; 3, Strode ; 4, Azure, three salt ires or (GlanvUle). There are some other inscriptions near the top of the monument, but too high up to be legible. They are given by Polwhele. William Strode of Newenham, married Elizabeth, either a daughter or granddaughter, and heir of William Courtenay (of Loughtor, whose effigy is in the south aisle), who was third son of Sir Philip of MoUand ; William Strode his grandson (ob 1637), married first, Mary daughter of Thomas Southcot of Bovey-Tracey, secondly, Dionisia daughter of Nicholas Glanville of Tavistock. On a flat stone : — Here lies the body if Sydney Strode of Newnham, Esqr., obiit in the year of Ids age 37, of our Lord 1721. Also of Ann Strode his wife davghter of Sir Nicholas Trev anion of (Carhayes?) obiit in the year of her age 27, of our Lord 1723. PARISH CHURCHES OF NORTH DEVON. 233 Arms: — Strode, impaling, on a fess three escallops, between two chevronels (Trevanion). On an oak seat in the opposite (Loughtor) aisle is the date 1637, and a series of eight carved shields illustrative of Strode in alliance with Courtenay, and impaling, within a bordure engrailed, three escallops (Erie) ; ermine, a fess, thereon a crescent (Strode of Parnham ?) ; a chevron between three griffins rampant (Button) Milliton and Peniles. Sir Bichard Strode, son of Sir William (ob. 1637), married first, Mary daughter of Sir Bobert Strode of Parnham, Dorset, secondly, Elizabeth daughter of Thomas Erie of Charborough, Dorset. William his son, married Ann daughter of Sir Wdliam Button. Courtenay. Chudleigh. — On the north side of the Chancel of Chudleigh Church, says Polwhele, is a handsome monument. On the top are the arms of Courtenay with a crescent for difference impaling Shilston. Above the pilaster on the left are the arms of Clifford with a crescent charged with a mullet, signifying that he was the third son of the second house. On the right are the same arms of Clifford impaling Staplehill. Below this inscription: — Sr Pierce Courtenay maried Elizabeth ye daughter of Robert Shilston, who had issue vij children; Carew, Edward and James, sonns ; also daughters Katharine, mar. to Kempthorn ; Dorothy mar. to Cowlinge; Ann mar. to Clifford, and Joan maried to Tremayne. Beneath are the figures of a man in armour, and a woman kneehng at desks, and on an altar stone below, this inscription : — Here Ueth the body of Sr. Pierce Courtney, Knight, sonne to Sr. Wilm. Courtney of Powdra. Knight; who died Ano: Do: 1552, May 20. Also the body of Dame Elizabeth his wife, sole daughter and heire to Robert Shilston of Bridstowe, esquire, who died 8th No: Ano: Do: 1605. This Sir Piers or Peter Courtenay was second son of Sir WiUiam Courtenay of Powderham (ob. 1533) by his wife Margaret, daughter of Sir Bichard Edgcombe. His son Edward married a daughter of Thomas Moor of Taunton. He was buried in S. Margaret's Church, Westminster. On the north side of the altar is a brass with this inscription : — 234 SEPULCHRAL EFFIGIES IN THE Give thanks to God for Edward Courtenay, Esq., son and heir of Sir Peter Courtenay, of Devonshire, Knight, who living a life agreeable to his estate and stock, ended the same like a faithful Christian the 21th November 1556, and is buried before this stone. He left two daughters, Anne married to Anthony Chfford, from whose son Thomas is descended the present Lord Clifford of Ugbrook, and Margaret married to Josias Calmady, father to Sir Shilston Calmady. (Cleveland). Sir ShUston Calmady was killed in a foray during the civd war. "A skirmish," says Mr. Davidson, " took place in the vdlage of Membury on 13th February 1645-6, respecting which we have no further particulars than that he was kiUed on the occasion in the gateway of Ford house." He was buried in Membury Church, and against the north waU of the chancel a mouldering monument may yet be seen, which bore the foUowing inscription, with his arms : — Azure, a chevron, between three pears pendant or. In memory of Shilston Calmady, Knight, ivho dyed the 13 daye of Feb. Ano. Dni. 1645. This Toomb's sublimed to a shrine, and doth containe An holier Saint than could all legends faine, Whose virtues supersede our spiice and baulme, Wliose name perfumes ye breath yt sounds the same. As when a fly's involved in amber, 'twere Less gaine to live than finde such sepulchre, So lifs not worth such honor as to have Fame write his epitaph, hearts afford his grave. Courtenay. Payhembury. — The arms of Courtenay appear on the pUlar in the aisle here, in conjunction with the coat apparently of Wotton, a saltire between three plates. According to Lysons (Cornwall) Edward, second son of Sir William Courtenay of Powderham and Margaret Bonville (but no mention of him occurs in Cleveland) married the heiress of Wotton of Wotton in Landrake in that county, and died a.d. 1520. Speke. The Cathedral, and Seaton. — The herison or hedgehog, the badge of Speke, occurs profusely scattered, both as supporters to their arms, and PARISH CHURCHES OF NORTH DEVON. 235 singly, among the sculptured ornaments of their Chantry of S. George in the Cathedral. The feet of the effigy of the knight (Sir John Speke, ob. 1518) rest on it, and above him are his arms (argent) two bars, (azure), over all a double-headed eagle displayed (or), with helmet^ lambrequin, and hedgehog for the crest, together with shields charged with Courtenay, Bishop Fox, and Bishop Oldham. At the west end of the Chantry angels support shields, charged with three bars between ten bells, 4, 3, 2, 1, ( -?), Wniee de li/s, a castle triple-towered with portcullis raised (Somaster). The arms of Speke occur quartered with Wynard on the shield in Wynard's Hospital, Exeter, and among the shields in Seaton Church. Speke Chantry, The Cathedral. Skreen, Seaton Church. Sir John Speke married a daughter of William Somaster of Nether Exe, and had issue John, who married Jone daughter and heir of John Wynard, and had issue John and George. At the end of the south transept of the Church of Brampford Speke is a monumental arch, ogee shaped, cusped, with whimpled heads at their extremities. There are no remains of a tomb or flat stone under. In Bishop Lacy's Begister, says Dr. Oliver, "is the will of Sir John Speke, proved 12 February 1448. He devises some bequests to this Church, and also to the poor both of this parish and Wembworthy. I suspect he was buried in the south chantry of this parish." The arch seems of earlier date, but the era would coincide with the aUiance with Wynard. Bamfield. Poltimore. — On a flat stone in the chancel is : — bb 236 SEPULCHRAL EFFIGIES IN THE pit jacet 3fobes 93aunuelo et agnes ttr: eris pat. et mat. Mill 35aunuelo qui bac ecclta et marima cainnana fieri fecerat. Arms : — On a bend three mullets (Bamfield), impaling, a chevron between three lions' heads crazed, crowned. (Pederton). At the end of the south transept is a large monument with the effigies of a knight in armour, his feet resting on a dog, and his lady in Elizabethan costume, her feet on a ram, as the badge of her family : — Monumentum Richardi Bamfildi armigeri et Elizabethce uxoris ejus, obiit hie Maii 29, 1594, ilia Martii 1599; extructum Amice Bamfildi, equitis aurati, vicecomitis Devonice, filii et hcercedis sui mense Maii Anno Dni. 1604. Hie tremibunda boni requiescunt membra Richii Bampfildi; Patrias lausque decusque suas, Hunc juxta et Conjux jacet Elizabetha fidelis charus et innatis, clarus uterque suis corpora terra tegit animas habet aula Tonantis, et statuas retinet JJrna polita suas. Hunc struxit tumulum clari Genetoris amove Filius : His junxit siemmata clara sui. Vivit post funere virtus. 1. Arms: — A shield quarterly of eight — 1, Bamfield; 2, a maunch (Hastings) ; 3, a lion rampant (Huxham) ; 4, within a bordure bezantee, on a fess three crosslets (Faber) ; 5, a bend, between three griffins' heads crazed (Pederton ?) ; 6, Semee of crosslets, a lion passant (Pederton ?) ; 7, two chevrons, a label of three (St. • Maure) ; 8, Semee of crosslets, a lion rampant (Pederton ?) 2. The above achievement impaling, quarterly of four, — 1, three rams passant (Sydenham) ; 2, a bend, fusil y ; 3, a chevron between six roses or quatrefoils ; 4, as 1 . 3. A shield quarterly of four, — 1 and 4, Semee of roses or quatrefoils, a lion rampant; 2 and 3, Barry, nebuly. John Bamfield married John daughter of Huxham ; Thomas, his son, Agnes daughter of John Faber ; John, his son, Agnes daughter of John Pederton; WiUiam, his son, Margaret daughter of John St. Maure; Edward, his son, Elizabeth daughter of Bichard Wadham ; Bichard, his son (Sheriff PARISH CHURCHES OF NORTH DEVON. 237 of Devon, 20th Elizabeth), Elizabeth daughter of Sir John Sydenham of Brympton in Somerset. In the aisle is a flatstone : — put lyetb Sfobn Bampuelo, 9Saronett, tobo oieo anvill . . . 1650 in tbe 40 peere of bis . . . Arms: Bamfield, impaling o chevron between three leopards' heads (Copleston). John Bamfield, created a baronet 14th July 1641, married Gertrude daughter of Amias, and sister and coheir of John Copleston of Coplestone and Warleigh. Brass Effigies in Devon. Devonshire is not rich in brasses, comparatively with stone effigies, nevertheless a considerable number exist, and of much interest, Many of these have necessarily been noticed and described in connection with the imposed figures, Ulustrative of their history, and whde dweUing on this subject, although the whole have been carefully and accurately described in a previous volume of the Society's Transactions, it may not be deemed out of place, if short references to the more notable of the re mainder, not touched on here, be appended, as a help to a general view and. summary of memorial sctdpture remaining in the County. At Stoke-Fleming (Division III) are the effigies of John Corp and Elyenore . . . under a rich canopy ornamented with quatrefoils, battlemented, and with lanthorn lights at the ends and in the centre. The male figure is habited in a long gown with coUar, tight sleeves, open in front from the waist downward, edged round the skirt, and cuffed at the wrists with fur. Over the right shoulder he wears a highly ornamented belt from which depends a large anelace or dagger. The hair is parted in front and curled at the sides, the beard forked, and the shoes long and pointed. The lady wears a crenelated head-dress with three rose shaped ornaments in front, and a flying ved over. The gown is tight fitting about the bb* Brass of John Corp, Stoke Fleming. 2 38 SEPULCHRAL EFFIGIES IN THE bodice, with the usual row of small studs along the sleeves, and a set of larger buttons down the breast. She stands elevated on a pedestal, and both have their hands joined in prayer. Below is this inscription : — amps q passes pep p fob : Corp & Clpenore . . . aucp pes Oieur pur charite q oe lo almes aie metce. amen. Under the male : — ®biit in Oie §?ii 3foh: €mageliste ao Dni millmo ccclmo- Under the female : — ©biit in tne g>ci <5eorg: anno Dni mtllmo ccclir,rr primo. The brass is in the floor of the nave of the Church, and the inscription in French, one of the very few found in that language in the County. At Dartmouth the splendid example of Sir John Hawley and his two wives (Divisions III, IV) in the chancel of St. Saviour's ; he stands in the centre in complete plate armour, with one hand on his richly ornamented sword belt, and the other holding the hand of one of his wives ; his feet rest on a lion. The ladies are habited exactly alike, their hair braided and jeweUed with cover-chief over, cote hardie, long sleeves closely buttoned, and gown ; at the feet of each are two dogs, collared, with bells attached. The lady the knight is supporting, places the other hand on her breast, the lady opposite has her hands joined in prayer. Below is this inscription : — Pit jacet benerabilts bur Joannes ^)aulep, istius cancelle funbator qui obiit rrr Oie Decembris, anno Dni. m . . . Deitr jacet ur ejus prima noie Sfohtia, que obiit rti oie gulii anno Dni milo cccmo nouagesio qrto: in parte ... a aiicia que obiit Ui ait ganttar, anno Dnimilloccccmo terrio quor animabus propirietur Deus, amen. Portions of a rich canopy exist over the figures. John Hawley is said to have died 1408, and was one of the greatest merchants Dartmouth or perhaps Devonshire has ever known. He was PARISH CHURCHES OF NORTH DEVON. 239 seven times Mayor of that town, and so large was the number of his ships that a saying arose — Blow the wind high, blow the wind low, It bloweth good to Hawley's hoe. One of his wives, probably the last, was Emmeline daughter of Sir Bobert TresUian, Chief Justice of England. Elizabeth his daughter and heir married John Coplestone of Copleston, Colebrooke, whose gravestone probably occurs in the north aisle of that church. Arms of Hawley : — ¦ Argent, three hunting horns and a broad arrow sable in pale, feathers and head or. (Pole.) In the same church is a small figure of a female (Division IV ?) in loose gown and sleeves, with horned head-dress. No inscription is left, or armorial bearings. At Bigbury two effigies very simdar in costume, which may be referred to Division IV. One occurs accompanied by the matrix of a knight, and the stone is powdered with scrolls that bear alternately- — 3fi)ii JHercp. Hatrp belpe. She wears a mitred head-dress, with cover chief, cote-hardie, gown and mantle over ; around her neck a double chain and pater-noster cross. At her feet are two dogs with coUars and bells. A portion of the ledger fillet remains thus inscribed : — et Doinina CUsabetb uror ejus nuper uror Chome arunOel cam She is conjectured to be Elizabeth wife of the last of the Bigbury family, and subsequently the wife of Thomas Arundel, and lastly of Bobert Burton. There is one shield out of three left remaining over the matrix of the knight, charged with the arms of Burton — on a cross pierced, three fleur-de-lys. The costume of the other lady is very simdar ; she is attired also with horned bead-dress and cover chief, a gown with long and flowing sleeves, gathered in at the waist by a belt, smaU collar and cuffs, the whole having a peculiarly graceful appearance. The inscription at her feet has disappeared ; two scrolls occur, one on each side the figure, that left remaining is thus inscribed :— " 3fbft 0ltttp." The matrices of two 240 SEPULCHRAL EFFIGIES IN THE shields are over the scrolls, and another shield below the place of the inscription remains, charged with the arms of Burton impaling Bigbury — an eagle displayed. There must have been a close relationship between these ladies so similarly represented, if indeed they do not pourtray the same person, from the accident of the arms, or mother and daughter, it may be. At Chitilehampton (Division IV) the effigies of John Coblegh, IsabeU and Johanna his wives, and one daughter. He stands between his wives, in plain long gown or tunic, with loose sleeves, having a narrow edge of fur, his hair straight, and with pointed shoes. His wives and daughter, habited almost alike, have plain long gowns and butterfly head-dresses. The wife on his right has close sleeves and mittens, on his left she 'has fur cuffs and collar. Below are these inscriptions : — pit jacet gobes Coblegb et Isabella uror et uup uror iftoberti Corneui armigt que quiom Isabella obiit i Oje ©ctnbr. ao. Dni. m.ccccxlbi et Johanna uror pci fobs. Coblegb q- quiom fobanna obiit ultio Oie g>eptebf. ao. Ont m.cccclrrx qr aib? ppcietoe'. amen. pit jacet i£>enricus Coblegb et aiicia uror ejus parentes 3fohts Coblegb qui quiOm ^enricus obiit bicesimo oie mense 3fulu, anno Dni milltmo cccclrr. quof atbus ppiciet oe'. amen. The Cobleighs were of Brightleigh in Chittlehampton. A younger branch of the Fitzwarrens settled here temp. Henry II, and took the name of Brightleigh. After eight- descents the heiress married Cobleigh, whose grand-daughter Margaret mariied Sir Boger Giffard third son of John Giffard of Halsbury. Arms of Brightleigh, — Gules, a chief indented sable; — of Cobleigh, gyrondy of six gules and sable, on a bend engrailed argent, three hurts between two swans argent. At Stoke-in-Teignhead the effigies of a priest (Division IV) in chasuble and with maniple and stole richly embroidered: — ©rate pro anima jWagfi %aW ^pmo oli (ffanoci Cron, peOarii oe teprton, Crantou, et ©eps ; ac ftuj loci Pectoris, q. obiit xu Die jWaii, ao. Dn . moccccterbtj. PARISH CHURCHES OF NORTH DEVON. 241 At Clovelly is a singular memorial, in character, simUar to one in Braunton Church to Lady Elizabeth Chichester, where the same stone has been made to record the deaths of two people. On a flat stone a cross is incised, and around on the ledger line is this fragment of inscrip tion remaining : — |fcj:c facet |L;ugo iflggftell ... qui obiit . . . Iuibiij. eius aie pfcutur bus- . . me. . . In the base of the cross is a shield charged with three wings dependent. The date was probably 1488. This is a memorial to a member of the famdy of Michelstowe or MygheUstowe, antiently of Lanteglos-by-Fowey in Cornwall, extinct at an early period. One of them married a coheiress of Giffard of Thuborough, Devon. The coheiresses of Michelstowe married Treffry and WoUacombe. Their arms were, sable, three wings, two and one, argent. (Lysons.) At the intersection of the cross is the small brass effigy of a knight, bareheaded, but otherwise in com plete armour. Below this inscription: — •prag for tfje sotole of JRaster Eobert ffarg (Esquier, sonne anb beger of Sir ESHillm Catg Itngcrbt, fabt'ebe Robert becessgb tlje in bag of 3une in tbe gere of our Hoib ©ob m.b.xl. o' faibos sotole Ebu baue m'eg. Probably the Bobert Cary who married, first, Agnes daughter of Lord Chief Baron Huddye, secondly, Jane daughter of Sir Nicholas Carew, and thirdly, Margaret daughter of WiUiam Fulkeram. At Yealmpton, the interesting brass effigy of Sir John Crocker. He is represented in complete armour with skirt and collar of maU, bareheaded, and with sword and misericorde. His head rests on a helmet, and his feet on a lion. Below is this inscription : — ?^ic jacet Sob'es (ffrobker miles quonbam Cipborarius ac Signifer illustrissinu biri -trgfe ffibfaarbi quarti, qui obiit liii tk fBaTcii, &n'o B'ni JHiltes'a qumsentcsimo octabo. This Sir John Crocker was Cup and Standard-bearer to King Edward IV, who is said to have granted YefmJPt" £$*£«. 242 SEPULCHRAL EFFIGIES IN THE him an unique crest, thereon, a drinking cup or, with three fleur de lys issuant therefrom, and charged with a rose. It is possible this crest may have been portrayed- with the helmet under the effigies' head, but that portion of the brass is destroyed. The Crockers were of Lyneham. Anno 4 Henry IV (1403), John son of John Crocker of Hele dwelled at Lyneham. John his grandson married Elizabeth daughter of Sir Lewis Pollard, John his son Elizabeth daughter of Bichard Strode of Newnham, John his son Agnes daughter of John Cervington of Tavistock, and hath issue. (Pole). Arms of Crokker or Crocker ; — Argent, a chevron engrailed gules, between three crows (croakers) sable. Bassktt. Atherington and Heanton Punchardon. In Atherington Church on the north side of the Chancel is an altar tomb with quatrefoils under, and above on the slab are the brass effigies of a knight in full armour, bare-headed, with broad-toed sabbatons, skirt of mail, sword, misericorde and spurs. His two wives, who are clad in the angular pedimental head-dress of the period, with fur trimmings, and rich girdles, chains and dependent pomander balls, appear on either side, and below are two groups of chUdren, on the left three girls and four boys, and on the right four girls and one boy. The inscription is gone, and one shield of arms, the other three shields remain : — 1. Bassett, quartering Champernowne and Beaumont. 2. Bassett as before, impaling, GranvUle. 3. As before, impaling, Dennis. This is evidently the memorial of Sir John Bassett (grandson of Sir John Bassett of White-Chapel and La Heyne in Bishops-Nymet, by his wife Joan daughter of Sir Thomas Beaumont of Sherwill) and his two wives, Elizabeth daughter of John Dennys of Orlegh, by whom he had issue four daughters, and Honor daughter of Sir Thomas Grenville. He was Sheriff of Devon, 16th Henry VIII 1525. Sir Bobert Bassett, great grandson of this Sir John, married Elizabeth, second daughter of Sir William Peryam, Lord Chief Baron of the Exchequer, obiit 9 October 1G05, and whose tomb and effigy are in Crediton Church. Sir Bobert was of Heanton Court, Heanton- Punchardon, PARISH CHURCHES OF NORTH DEVON. 243 and was buried in that church, where the following inscriptions occur to the memory of himself and wife : — Hie jacet Robertus Bassett, Miles, qui obiit undecimo die Novembris, ano. dni. 1641, jEtatis sine 68. Memorias sacrum Dominas Elizabetlias uxori Roberti Bassett militis clarissima stirpe oriundifU'nv et cohasredi GuUelmi Peryam militis schaccarii regiibaronis primarii integerrimi et religiosissimi, pias prudenti justaj patienti modestce castce temperanti constanti hospitali misericordi beneficce pauperum matri et medicos, suce familias conservatrici Arthur Bassett armiger filius suus primo- genito debita gratitudinis et observantice ergo H.M.M.M.P. Anno Domini 1635. JEtatis suce 64 ; ad Dominum remeavit. Should monuments goe by merit then surely thine With precious stones and orient pearls should shine, But since thy world of worth ye world doth know This marble stone may serve thy name to sheiv. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivereth him out of all. Ps. 34, 19 v. Conjecta in fornacem prodiit aurum. WiUiam their second son : — Here lyeth in hope of a joyfull resurrection the bodie of Mr. WiUiam second sonne of Sir Robert Bassett, Knight, and Elizabeth his ivife ; hee deptarted this life the 7th day of May in ye yeare of his age . . . . Anno Domini 1634. Colonel Arthur Bassett, their eldest son, whose biography is given by Prince : Arthuri Bassett de Heanton Court, armiger, clarin orti natalibus cineribus sacrum. Ecclesice Anglicanas et fidei orthodoxas assertorem strenuum. Regi ipjsis in extremis haud minus fdelem Vitas deniq: integritate et innocentia Charitate erga pmuperes eximia Morum erga omnes suavitate insignem typum cc 244 SEPULCHRAL EFFIGIES IN THE Ista o'ia marmor hoc unico in Bassetto exhibet ; Dehinc migravit 7m0 die Januarii anno Domini 1672 sub anno oitatis suas 75. and the following : — Monumentum clarissimi Viri Johannis Bassett de Heanton Court armig : qui desideratus in Christo obdormivit Augvsti calend. anno Dni. 1660, aitatis suas 30. Si quidquam probitas valuisset gratia si quid Ad vitam in vivis ille fuisset ad hue. Had lyfe to grace and goodness here been tyed Soe good soe gracious he had never dyed. Huic etiam inseritur cippo Susanna amcena prefati Johannis consors antiqua Bluettorum (de Holcombe-Rogus) prosapia onunda quce fatis cessit 22" die Aprilis, Ano Dni. 1662. Et sic Nobile par una ptariter requiescit in urna Uxores uxor, vir superans que vivos. Here sleepes a noble payre who were in lyfe, Hee best of husbands, shee of wives the wife. Monumentum Viri vere generosi Johannis Basset de Heanton Court armig: pater nas gVrias virtutumque hasredis obiit 13''" die Maii anno osteite 33"'" anno dom: 1686. Scire vis lector Quam multis ille bonus flebilis occidit EccVia patronu: usque ac alumnu: Patria virum reipub: necessarium Egeni fautorem hilarem Famuli dominu: munijicum Omnes amicum hospitalem Abreptum deflent. Sed ludo te viator Dwm inter mortuos refero eum virum Quern supra oem YlapaWtiXiav Mer'ti diu dabunt superstitem. PARISH CHURCHES OF NORTH DEVON. 245 ipta flir Stroma emit iKmTOi tin tolwhuron duo TC^iW^^aW In hoc etiam cemeterio lachrymis suoru: oiu: tota irrigua condiiur Elizabetha prefati Johannis cotiju.r dilectissima unica Arthur i Ackland de Bittadon armig: tiliu flore irtatis rapta ex ampiexibus sonctissimis am oris pietatis ideoque spei plena et matura cado: obdormivit 6 die Novembris 1683. .Etatc 18. Brook. Thorn-combe. — The fine brass effigies of SU Thomas and Lady Jane Brook of Olditch Court in this parish, that originaUy lay on the floor of the north aisle of the old Church. He wears his hah' poUed, is clad in a long gown with loose sleeves, pulled in at the waist by a belt studded with roses, and edged • at the bottom and round the neck with fur. She appears in a reticulated horned head-dress with cover-chief, long close boddice gown, with mantle over, fastened across the breast by a cordon with dependent tassels. Both wear the coUar of SS., have a dog at their feet coUared, the lady's being beUed in addition. The following is the inscription as restored on the brass, fresh set in the new Church : — %zxz Igtb Sit SEbomas 33rook Stnggbte tlje tobiri) tsrjtt) tbe xxiij bag of JJanuier tbe pete of out ILotbe mcccciii tbe fiftb gete of King Jifenrg tbe fiftb, also b^e Igetb IBame Soban 33 cook tbe togfe of tbe sagb JEbomas tbe tobgcbe bgeb tbe x bag of §Iptgl tbe gere of out lotbe mccccmbit anb tbe xb gete of Itgng f^attg t£e bj on tobots soules <§ob babe mercg anb pite tbat fat us bgcb on tbe tobe tree, ^trnen. According to Hollingshead, this Sir Thomas Brooke married Jane daughter of Sunon Hanape of Gloucestershire, and widow of Bobert Chedder of Bristol, and had issue by her Thomas Brook Lord Cobham, and Michael Brook, a younger son. cc* Sir Thomas and Dame Joan Brook, Thorncombe Church, A.D. 1419-37. 246 SEPULCHRAL EFFIGIES IN THE Olditch Court, their antient seat, is now a ruin, only a few portions of broken wall, a gateway arch, and part of a turret covered with luxuriant ivy, remain. "In 1428, Abbot Nicholas Wysbeche of Newenham was appointed a mediator, with five of his neighbours, in a dispute between Sir WiUiam BonvUle of Shute, and Joan the widow of Sir Thomas Brooke, arising from the obstruction of several public roads and paths in the formation and inclosure of the park at Weycroft by the lady and her son. The transcript of the instrument has been preserved which recites the circum stances of the case at great length, and concludes with an award, which, as the Abbot was nominated by the Lady Brooke, does credit to his justice as an umpire as well as to his hospitaUty ; for after deciding on every point in favour of Sir WiUiam Bonville, and directing all the ways in question to be thrown open to the public, it concludes by directing that the knight and the lady should ride amicably together to Newenham Abbey, on a day appointed, when they should exchange a kiss in token of peace and friendship, and dine together at the Abbot's table. The deed is dated at Axminster, on the 13 August 1428." (Davidson). Pyne,- — Mallack. Axmouth. On a flat stone within the communion rads at Axmouth Church is a flat stone, having on it the arms of Pyne sculptured, gules, a chevron between three pine apples or cones or; and the fragment of an inscription, of which " Hercules Pyne, Gent." only remains. Thomas Pyne, a descendant of the antient family of Pyne of East Downe, married Joyce a daughter of John Wadham of Catherstone, Dorset, whose monument is in the adjoining church of Whitchurch- Canonicorum. They were settled at Hayes, Axmouth, and had issue Hercules and others. Hercules married Margery daughter of John Yonge Esq. of Colyton. Hayes was a portion of the dismembered manor of Bindon, through the heiress of Wyke, who married Hayes. On a flat stone, now much denuded, in the nave are the arms of Mallock : — per chevron engrailed or and sable, on three roundles three fleur de lys, cdl counter changed ; and the crest, a cubit arm erect, vested or, thereon two bends wavy sable, in the hand proper, a mallet of the first. PARISH CHURCHES OF NOETH DEVON. 247 The inscription is obliterated, but on other stones near are found : — "Elizabeth second wife of Mr. Bichard Mallack of Axmouth, daughter of Sir Bichard Strode of Nv nit am, 1693;" "Bichard Mallack, Esq. 1724;" and "Anne daughter of Bobert and Anne Dening, first wife to Bichard Mallack, Esq., secondly of Robert Cheeke of Roestdoune, 1744." The Mallacks were probably of Steps House, Axmouth, a large picturesque dismantled dwelling situate close to the viUage. They purchased that portion of the manor that came to Alice Wyke tire wife of Hugh Barry, and subsequently acquired the smaU adjoining parish and manor of Bouse-downe. John Mallack married Maud daughter of John Weston of Colyton ; Bichard his son, Joan daughter of WUliam Sherman of Ottery ; Bichard his son, Joan daughter of John Yonge Esq. of Colyton. Neville, George. Bishop of Exeter. — The arms of this Prelate, a saltire, are found on a corbel supporting the label on the outside of the east window at Branscombe, the arms of the See occupying the other. This window, of handsome design, appears to have been the latest addition to this antient and most interesting church. Bishop Nevdle presided over the See a.d. 1455-65. Strowbridge. Colyton. — Affixed to the north side of the tower in Colyton Church is a brass plate :— pjete Igetb Soisn Sttobrgg tbe elbet, late of tbe ptscb of ffiollgto. mchant, biljtcb 3obn becessgb tbe it bag off September in tbe gete of out 3Lorb @ob, a tbousanb cccccxbt, on irt^ats saule 3 bu babe metcg. amen. The Strowbridges were of considerable local renown, and lived at Street- hayne, Colyton; a small portion of the old house remains, with fine oak ceding and carved paneUng. W. Pole, Esq., the first resident at Shute, married Mrs. Tamsyn Beau mont, widow, late wife of John Strowbridge, 1547 ; John son of John Strowbridge married Mrs. Dorothy Carwithen, daughter of Sir John Gaynford of Cowhurst in Surrey, knight, 1558; this lady was probably sister to Mary, second wife of Sir WiUiam Courtenay of Powderham (ob. 1536), who outlived her husband and married, secondly, Sir Anthony Kingston, who as Provost-Marshal of the King's army that defeated the 248 SEPULCHRAL EFFIGIES IN THE rebels in Devonshire, signalized himself by many cruel and barbarous executions afterward. (Cleveland). Arms of Thomas Strowbridge, a.d. 1580 : — Over water proper, a bridge of four arches masoned and battle- mented, thereon a staff with pennon hoisted, a crescent for difference. Tavistock Abbey. — With the exception of the gate-house and some other fragments, the whole of this large Monastery, which, says Dr. Oliver, " eclipsed every religious house in Devonshire, in the extent, convenience and magnificence of its buildings," has been destroyed. In the present Churchyard, which was once part of the site of the Abbey, is an arch, of Early English type, and probably of late twelfth century date, traditionally said to be the tomb of Ordulf the son of Ordgar, Earl of Devon (a.d. 961), who were co-Founders of the Monastery. Query, if it be not a portion of the work of Abbot Bobert Champeaux aliter Campell, during whose government (1285-1328) several parts of the Abbey were rebuilt, particularly the Conventual Church which is said to have been 378 feet long, without including the Lady Chapel, and which was dedicated, with its two altars in the nave, by Bishop Stapledon, 21 August 1318 ? (Oliver). This grand Church was finally taken down in 1670. mm m 11111 H Monumental Arch. The Abbey was dedicated to the Blessed Virgin and | S. Bunion. Abbot Bichard Banham was created a mitred abbot by King Henry VIII, PARISH CHURCHES OF NORTH DEVON. 249 22 January 1513; his successor in the abbacy, John Peryn, surrendered his monastery to the same monarch, 26 April 31st Henry VIII, 1540. Arms of Abbey: — Vaire or and azure, on a chief of the first two mullets, gules (Oliver). Hugh Oldham, Bishop of Exeter. — The quaint rebus of this prelate, whose effigy reclines on a tomb in his own highly-ornamented mortuary Chapel in the Cathedral, is found on one of the pdlars of the Dorset Chapel at Ottery S. Mary, and also among the decorations of his Chantry. Born at Manchester and educated at Queen's College, Cam- Rebus of Bishop Oldham. bridge, in 1485 he was made Dean of Wimbourne Minster. In 1493, Chaplain to Margaret, Countess of Bichmond and Derby, mother of Henry VII, and by her interest had great preferment. In 1494 she presented him to the rich sinecure rectory of Cheshunt, and in 1495 to the rectory of S. Mddred, Bread street, London. In 1495 Prebendary of St. Alban, in the Cathedral of Sarum ; 1496 Prebendary of Newington in St. Paul's, London ; 1497 of Lincoln ; 1499 of York, and Master of S. Leonard's Hospital, Bedford ; 1500 to the rectory of ShiUingston, Bedford; 1503 Prebendary of Lichfield, and 1504 Bishop of Exeter. He died June 25, 1519, and was buried in the Chapel of S. Saviour at the east end of the south choir aisle in the Cathedral. It seems almost incredible the number of preferments ecclesiastics were permitted to hold about this era. The inscription on his tomb records : — pit jacet pu#o ©10am €ps. qt obitt xxb° ote ^untt ait Out. millo mttyix. Cuts a 250 SEPULCHRAL EFFIGIES IN THE His arms were — Sable, a chevron or, between three owls argent, on a chief of the second as many roses gides. Tombs as " Easter Sepulchres." The tomb and effigy of Thomas Briant at South-Pool has been described in the South Devon effigies. An almost exactly similar tomb is found at Woodleigh, but there is no eSigy nor date. On a scroll over the canopy is this inscription : — ©rate pro antma "Dam. Cljomas rimtpti), quondam Bectortss Intjits ecclesta. And the initials GL.§5t. in the spandrils. He was probably a relative of Walter Smyth, whose tomb is in Totnes Church and of nearly cotempo rary date. At Holcombe BurneU, on the north side of the altar, is a canopied tomb, ogee arch with carved spandrils over, flanked by buttresses. At the back of the arch is sculptured the Besurrection. Below are panels and shields, but no device on them. Among the bosses on the carved string course is a rose and anchor. It is of late date, and may be ascribed to the . middle of the sixteenth century ; erected probably to the Dennis family, three of whom were, ad interim, patrons of the benefice about that time. Sir Thomas Dennis (whose biography is given by Prince), Privy CouncUlor to Henry VIII, Chancellor to his Queen, Anne of Cleves, and many times Sheriff of Devon, was probably buried here 18 February 1560-1 ; his son Sir Bobert Dennis (who with his son Thomas were co-founders of the Heavitree almshouses) dying at Bicton was buried here 15 September 1592. The arms of Dennis — three battle axes, impaling, a unicorn rampant — is on a bench end in Budleigh Church. "In the east window of Holcombe Burnel Church," writes Dr. Oliver, " are the arms of Dennis impaled with Godolphin, also the coat of arms of some one to us unknown, and certainly more modern. Below is a suppliant kneeling in an ermine robe. On his right shoulder is his shield, ermine, a chevron. Over his head runs a double scroll, the first containing the words :-— ' l\)\\ flit. £)allt0 ;' the second « ffititVtVt met ' " and he adds, "in barbarous keeping, a portion of an inscription evidently taken from another part of the church has been placed on this (the Dennis) monument, viz. : — PARISH CHURCHES OF NORTH DEVON. 251 Orate pro aia Dompni Roberti Hanlce, Monasterii de Tavistoke." These remains seem to have disappeared since the Doctor's visit. Monuments partially or wholly disappeared. — The following particulars are gleaned from Westcote, Bisdon, &c. " At Crediton on a large fair stone in the choir was the picture of a bishop inlaid with brass with escutcheons, but all is taken away, with the epitaph also, which was thus rhymed : — Sis testis, Christe, quod non jacet hie lapsis iste, Corpus ut ornetur, sed spiritus ut memoretur ;- - Quisquis eris, qui transieris, sta, perlege, plora, Sum quod eris, fueramque quod es; pro me, precor, ora. This probably refers to a tomb now existing in the north choir aisle. Is not the beautiful sedilia of this Church, now so sadly mutilated, intended for a monument also '¦. At its back, facing the aisle, there is a recess, with a flat table and groined canopy over. At present this recess is filled with a large oak cupboard in which are some antient chained books, rendering its examination impossible. " In Bradford Church, on a stone inlaid with brass, is the form of a man armed cap-a-pie, with this inscription : — Pray for the soul of John Hengeseot, Esquire, who deceased the 30 day of January, A.D. 1500, on whose soul Jesus have mercy. (Westcote.) The Hengescots held East-Bitaden and Prestcot. (Pole). Barnstaple Priory. — The Cluniac Priory [of S. Mary Magdalene was founded in the reign of William the Conqueror, by Joel the son of Alured, and made dependent on S. Martin's in the Fields near Paris. Seventeen Priors appear to have presided over the Foundation, ending with Prior Bobert Thorne, who surrendered his Convent to King Henry VIII, 4 February 1536. "In the garden of this Priory," says Bisdon, " was lately the proportion of a knight lying cross-legged, with his sword and shield, seeming to be one of those who had vowed a voyage to the Holy Land for that sacred warfare, removed out of the Church at the dissolution. dd 252 SEPULCHRAL EFFIGIES IN THE &7 Bobert Thorne, the last Prior, had for his device a rowbuck leaning to a hawthorne in an escutcheon, with the word bert interposed, and this under written — Cap-rum cum spina protegat divina potestas. No trace of the effigy or the Prior's rebus is now visible. Two shields were, however, found some years since among the ruins, and have been preserved in a modern residence budt on the site. On one are the anus of the Priory, gules, a bend or, a label of three. The other, an escutcheon quarterly of four, and encircled by the riband of the r Garter and mctto, is apparently an achievement commemorative of Thomazine Hankford and Sir WUliam Bourehier, who were doubtless patrons and benefactors to the Priory. 1, Quarterly of four : — 1 and 4, France modern, 2 and 3, England modern, all ivithin a bordure argent, for difference (for Thomas of Woodstock, Duke of Gloucester, youngest son of King Edward III) ; 2, a bend, cotized, between six honcels rampant (for Humphry de Bohun, Earl of Essex, who married the Princess Elizabeth, seventh daughter of King Edward I) ; 3, a chevron (barry wavy, argent and sable ?) (for Thomazine Hankford wife of WUliam Bourehier, Earl of Eu, and daughter of Sir Bichard Hankford of Annery, and his wife Elizabeth daughter of Fulk Lord Fitz- Warren) ; 4, a bend cotized between six Honcels, on the bend three mullets pierced — Bohun, with difference (for Eleanor Bohun wife of Thomas of Woodstock, Duke of Gloucester, mother of Anne Plantagenet wife of William Bourehier, who was the mother of William Bourehier who married Thomazine Hankford.) This Eleanor was eldest daughter of Humphry de Bohun, son of William de Bohun and the Princess- Elizabeth daughter of Edward I. Hence the three mullets on the bend, being adopted for difference of descent and to shew her position in the main stem of Bohun. The crescent over aU in PARISH CHURCHES OF NORTH DEVON. 2 53 the centre of the shield would denote the position of William Bourehier, who was second son of William Bourehier, Earl of Eu. Oliver de Bohun, another cotemporary descendant of the house of Bohun, differenced the parent coat by the addition of three esc