Bondleigh, Devon
Church of St. James, Bondleigh Devon stands next to Bondleigh Barton farmhouse 
Originally a 12c Norman church, it was rebuilt in 15c . 
Before the Reformation it was dedicated to St Mary.
It consists of chancel, nave, north aisle, south porch, and three stage crenellated west tower with 4 bells, built of local stone slate and sandstone rubble walls with some granite ashlar to the tower.

The earliest part is the 12c Norman south doorway <a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/52219527@N00/KBq2M7U0RD">www.flickr.com/gp/52219527@N00/KBq2M7U0RD</a> with a carved  tympanum showing the Agnus Dei between two birds <a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/52219527@N00/h6dzRTT129">www.flickr.com/gp/52219527@N00/h6dzRTT129</a>  -  the nave may also incorporate some Norman  fabric. 
The bowl of the Norman font survives, resting on a central and four smaller shafts of a later date.  <a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/52219527@N00/tFzsCCM6aL">www.flickr.com/gp/52219527@N00/tFzsCCM6aL</a>
At the east end of the north aisle, built into the wall, are some remains of Norman work apparently the capitals of two pillars, in a remarkably good state of preservation. <a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/52219527@N00/2J43qw0X10">www.flickr.com/gp/52219527@N00/2J43qw0X10</a>
The chancel was probably rebuilt or remodelled in the 15c  when the Easter sepulchre was built on the north wall in which lies the effigy of a priest, wearing a surplice and pointed chasuble. <a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/52219527@N00/h39Rv38bSR">www.flickr.com/gp/52219527@N00/h39Rv38bSR</a>  On each side of the chancel windows are two niches for lost saints with canopies much mutilated. 
The tower and south porch are also probably 15c 
The north aisle is considerably later and might even be post-reformation late 16c   One window has some ancient glass surviving.  <a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/52219527@N00/qT2WG8y045">www.flickr.com/gp/52219527@N00/qT2WG8y045</a>
The old wagon roofs survive with moulded purlins and carved bosses - larger and more elaborate to the aisle which also has running foliage carved wall-plates. 
The belfry screen contains some portions of the old chancel screen. 

There are two windows on the south side of the nave, one containing some old glass showing the Annunciation.  <a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/52219527@N00/92yE0zKaFv">www.flickr.com/gp/52219527@N00/92yE0zKaFv</a>

Over the porch is a sundial inscribed &quot;Sensum sini Sensu  Anno Dom 1706.    Dial's the name that all men call me by,  I measure time and time sweeps all away.&quot;  <a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/52219527@N00/39659VyGbh">www.flickr.com/gp/52219527@N00/39659VyGbh</a>

The west door has for security, four openings for two bars, one at the top the other at the bottom.

All restored in 1890 when a number of the windows were renewed.

A slate tablet enclosed in wood is inscribed: 
&quot;Sacred to the Memory of Mary wife of Joseph Goss of this Parish who from her husband and eight dear children was in the prime of a virtuous well spent life summoned to meet her God that gave her existence, Feb. 6th 1798. Aged 37 years - Beneath this table rests the mortal part
 Of her who once delighted every heart
 How good she was and what her virtues were
 Her Guardian angel can alone declare
 The Friend that now this little tribute pays
 Too exquisitely feels to speak her praise
 Yet would'st thou know ye pious life she spent
 How many from her hands received content
 How many Breasts that poverty had chilled
 Her charity with Peace, with rapture filled
 The village nigh shall gratify thy ears
 And tell thee some with words but most with tears
Also to the Memory of Mary Ann Daughter of ye said Joseph and Mary Goss who at ye period of 15 years of Her age was summoned to meet her God that gave her existance, April 9th 1798 - Like Birds of Prey, Death snatch'd away this tender Harmless Dove whose soul's so pure and now secure we hope in Heaven above.&quot;

The registers date are dated: baptisms, 1813; marriages, 1754; burials, 1813

Picture with thanks - copyright Liz Mary <a href="https://britishlistedbuildings.co.uk/101326420-church-of-st-james-bondleigh/photos/223448#.Y72BMf7P1D8" rel="noreferrer nofollow">britishlistedbuildings.co.uk/101326420-church-of-st-james...</a>
bondleigh church devon