All Saints' Church, Huntsham facts for kids
Quick facts for kids All Saints' Church, Huntsham |
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All Saints' Church, Huntsham
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| 50°58′30″N 3°25′26″W / 50.97500°N 3.42389°W | |
| Location | Huntsham, Devon |
| Country | England |
| Denomination | Church of England |
| Website | hukeleymissioncommunity.org |
| History | |
| Founded | Tower circa 14th Century |
| Consecrated | 15 June 1336 |
| Architecture | |
| Architect(s) | Benjamin Ferrey (rebuild 1854–56) |
| Specifications | |
| Height | 60 feet (18 m) |
| Bells | 8 |
| Administration | |
| Parish | Huntsham |
| Deanery | Tiverton and Cullompton |
| Archdeaconry | Exeter |
| Diocese | Diocese of Exeter |
All Saints' Church, Huntsham is a historic church in the small village of Huntsham, Devon, England. It is about 5.8 miles (9.3 km) north-east of Tiverton. This church is part of the Church of England and is considered a very important building. It is listed as Grade II* listed, meaning it is a particularly important building of more than special interest.
Contents
History of All Saints' Church
The church in Huntsham has a long and interesting past. Records show that it was officially dedicated on June 15, 1336. It was made bigger in 1430. The first known leader of the church, called a rector, was Roger de Respremme in 1263.
Early Days and Neglect
Church records from 1558 show that in 1666, the people of Huntsham sent money to help those affected by the Great Fire of London. By 1850, the church was in poor condition. It was described as very old and falling apart. This was because the owner of the local estate, Rev. Edward Berkeley Troyte, had not taken good care of it.
A Grand Rebuilding Project
In 1852, Arthur Troyte took over the estate. He quickly decided to completely rebuild the church. He hired a famous architect named Benjamin Ferrey. Between 1854 and 1856, the church was rebuilt. Today, only the lower part of the church tower is from the original 14th century building.
Arthur Troyte was very involved in the rebuilding. He made sure only the best materials were used. These included strong oak wood, Ham Hill stone, and special floor tiles. The beautiful stained glass windows were made by William Wailes. As part of the work, the churchyard was made larger. A special gate called a lychgate was also built. Arthur Troyte paid for all this work himself. He even sold 1,000 oak trees to the Royal Navy to raise money.
Memorials and Family Legacy
Arthur's wife, Fanny, passed away just before the church restoration finished in 1856. The people of the village gave a beautiful stone font in her memory. A large hanging light fixture, called a candelabrum, was given in Arthur's memory when he died in 1857. Their graves in the churchyard are marked by special iron crosses.
Arthur Troyte's son, Charles Troyte, continued to improve the church. In 1871, he added a new section called the north aisle. He also added more bells to the church tower.
The Famous Bells of Huntsham
In 1866, Charles Troyte added three new bells, making a total of six. Then, in 1874, he added two more bells, bringing the total to eight. This allowed for a special type of bell ringing called a "full peal." On February 2, 1875, the first full peal of 5,040 changes was rung. A plaque inside the church records this amazing achievement.
Charles Troyte also wrote a book called Change Ringing in 1872. This book became a standard guide for bell ringers. Many years later, the famous author Dorothy L. Sayers found a copy of his book. It inspired her to write her well-known mystery novel, The Nine Tailors.
The bell ringing tradition is still very strong at All Saints' Church today. The church tower is used for practice by The Troyte Ringing Centre.
Notable Burials
Several members of the Troyte family are buried in the churchyard. This includes Charles Troyte's son, Sir Gilbert Acland-Troyte. He was a decorated soldier and a Member of Parliament. The socialite and author Anne Wignall is also buried here.
Church Organ
The church has an organ made by Hele & Co in 1896. The beautiful painted designs on the organ pipes are a tribute to Charles Troyte, who passed away that year.
Church Clock
The clock on the east wall of the church tower was installed in 1912. It was made by the well-known company Messrs Smith and Son of Derby. The clock strikes every hour. It used to need winding every week, but now it runs on electricity.
Clergy of All Saints' Church
Over the centuries, many rectors and priests have served All Saints' Church. The earliest recorded rector was Roger de Resprenne in 1263. The church has had a continuous line of clergy leading its community.
| * Roger de Resprenne 1263–1278 | * George Watson 1813–1818 |
| * Sir Walter de Bantane 1278 | * H Barker 1818–1827 |
| * William de Trehunsy 1308 | * J Wills 1827–1830 |
| * William de Carnadone 1340 | * Peter Tucker 1832–1835 |
| * Sir John Willesden 1418 | * Channon? Holt 1836 |
| * Sir Walter Clutterville 1425 | * Francis D Seymour 1835–1852 |
| * Sir John French 1429 | * Robert Dunn 1854–1887 |
| * Sir William Kyrke 1434 | * Philip C Rossiter 1887–1890 |
| * Sir Thomas Foxe | * George Cruddas 1890–1894 |
| * Sir Thomas Whiplynge 1438 | * Giffard T Nash 1894–1896 |
| * Sir John Chivelere 1439 | * AR Hudson 1898–1924 |
| * Thomas Ley 1439–1444 | * AC Keene 1921–1931 |
| * Sir Jon Baker 1444 | * FN Bird 1931–1933 |
| * Sir Geoffrey Motte 1449 | * RM Henderson 1933–1936 |
| * Sir Simon Halsanger 1453 | * Charles Lane 1936–1947 |
| * Henry Downe 1574 | * J Jones 1947–1957 |
| * Thomas Seale 1588–1629 | * E Hughes 1957–1962 |
| * Edward Seale 1629–1638 | * W Haythornthwaite 1962–1966 |
| * John Padfield 1638–1656 | * Govier (visiting) 1966–1968 |
| * Benedict Ball 1663 | * KR Coath 1968–1976 |
| * John Mayper 1675 | * Don M Clarridge 1977–1983 |
| * Francis Durbrow 1693 | * M Boyes 1983–1993 |
| * Francis Foort 1725–1761 | * K Gale 1993–1999 |
| * William Milton 1756 | * John Stone 1999–2010 |
| * Tristram Whitter 1767–1771 | * Lynne Burgon 2011-2014 |
| * Eardley Pearse 1785 | * Kevin Chandra 2015– |
| * Edward B Troyte 1796–1852 |
Images for kids
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Interior view from the gallery
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Summerhouse
