St Bartholomew, Stoke Rivers, Devon - 17th August 2004

The village was originally called Stoche de Redvers; the Redvers family also held Plympton Honour. The church is approached by way of an attractive grassed area, however not so nice in a wet winter I would imagine.  An old postcard shows a path which has been removed.

This church was built in the the 15th century in the Perpendicular style. The upper section of the tower was added at a later date. The north wall and tower still have their original windows; those in the south aisle and the tracery window of the tower were replaced in 1832 when the roof was rebuilt.

St Bartholomew, Stoke Rivers, Devon - 17th August 2004 - MTC

Here is a view of the nave looking east towards the chancel. I guess the heaters are needed in the cold weather!

The nave looking east, St Bartholomew, Stoke Rivers, Devon - 17th August 2004 - MTC

The font is difficult to date, being undecorated, but, as it is lead-lined, is probably of 15th century origin. The wooden dado dates from 1769. The barrel ceiling was built in 1832 when the roof was replaced. There is a 17th century Jacobean chest and an antique bobbin chair. The gothic style lectern is modern.

The font, St Bartholomew, Stoke Rivers, Devon - 17th August 2004 - MTCBobbin chair, St Bartholomew, Stoke Rivers, Devon - 17th August 2004 - MTCLectern, St Bartholomew, Stoke Rivers, Devon - 17th August 2004 - MTC

A small harmonium provides the musical accompaniment. The pulpit has attractive carving.

Harmonium, St Bartholomew, Stoke Rivers, Devon - 17th August 2004 - MTCThe pulpit, St Bartholomew, Stoke Rivers, Devon - 17th August 2004 - MTC

The peal of five bells, dated 1784 and restored in 1883, have not been rung for over 50 years. Due to problems with the bell frame and the dangerous state of the ringing floor, the bells have been lowered and are now stored in the base of the tower.

Lowered bells, St Bartholomew, Stoke Rivers, Devon - 17th August 2004 - MTC

The royal coat of arms on the west wall are of George III.

Royal arms, St Bartholomew, Stoke Rivers, Devon - 17th August 2004 - MTC

This interesting mound in the church yard covers a small round room.  I have no idea what its purpose is or was, maybe an entrance to a vault?

Royal arms, St Bartholomew, Stoke Rivers, Devon - 17th August 2004 - MTC

The final picture is of this attractive church from the graveyard.

St Bartholomew, Stoke Rivers, Devon - 17th August 2004 - MTC

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