A Testament to Devon's Rich Ecclesiastical Heritage

Historical Overview

St. Paul's Church, located in the village of Landkey, Devon, stands as a significant monument reflecting centuries of religious and architectural history. The church's origins trace back to the 13th century, with the chancel retaining fabric from this period. The nave, tower, and north aisle were constructed in the 15th century, while the north and south transepts date to the early 16th century. A major restoration of the chancel took place in 1870.

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Architectural Features

The church is built from rubble stone with ashlar dressings and features a slate roof with coped gable ends and apex crosses. The west tower, consisting of three stages, showcases set-back buttresses and an embattled parapet adorned with corner gargoyles. A polygonal stair turret rises above the tower's northeast side, complete with slit windows and a weathercock. The tower's west face includes a three-light Perpendicular window above a pointed-arch doorway, both accented with hood moulds.

The nave’s south side is illuminated by a three-light Perpendicular window with human head corbels on the hood mould. Adjacent to it is the embattled south porch, featuring a 15th-century doorway adorned with intricate carvings, including human heads and decorative motifs. The porch’s interior boasts a ceiled wagon roof with elaborately carved bosses.

The south transept, known as the Acland Chapel, contains a fine coloured monument to Sir Arthur Acland (d.1610) and his wife. The Aclands, one of Devon’s most notable families, originated within the parish at Acland Barton. They continued to own the estate until 1945, when Sir Richard Acland sold it to the tenant.

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Interior Highlights

Inside, the church is plastered and whitened throughout, featuring ceiled and bossed roofs. A striking early Perpendicular font dating from around 1400 stands as one of its most notable features. The north aisle houses three stone effigies of the Beaupel family, who held the manor of Landkey under the Bishop of Exeter.

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Current Status and Community Role

Today, St. Paul's Church serves a growing population of around 2,500 people in Landkey. A typical Sunday congregation consists of around 25 worshippers, offering a warm welcome to anyone attending Anglican Christian services. Services are usually held as Holy Communion or Morning Prayer, with hymn lyrics and liturgy displayed on large screens. The church also features a fine organ, refurbished in 2018, enhancing the worship experience.

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Conclusion

St. Paul's Church in Landkey stands as a testament to the village’s rich historical and architectural heritage. Its blend of medieval and post-medieval elements, along with significant monuments and effigies, provides insight into the area’s ecclesiastical and social history. The church continues to play a vital role in the spiritual and communal life of Landkey, bridging the past and present for parishioners and visitors alike.

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