Luxborough Churchtown - Church of St Mary

Set in the foothills of the Brendon Hills on the Southern slope of Croydon Hilll, the ancient Church of St Mary, Luxborough, enjoys a setting of peace and quiet and beauty which has few rivals. The earliest beginnings of Luxborough Church are difficult to discover. A Church is mentioned in a gift of property given to Bruton Priory when it was founded early in the 12th Century and as it is coupled with the Church at Cutcombe we may presume that, even at that early date, the two were united.

But this site is much more ancient than that, as the Cross in the Churchyard shows. The date of this fragment is difficult to decide, some authorities think it is Norman, while others think it may be Saxon. In any case it is well worthy of inspection, and it will be seen in the Churchyard to the South of the Church. (Another interesting feature in the Churchyard are the two 15th Century tombs, with panelled sides and shields, which are most unusual outside. These are quite close to the Cross - the one on the left of the path is probably the better)*

St Mary's Chuch Luxborough in Churchtown

St Mary's Chuch Luxborough in Churchtown

The Tower, which contains a fine peal of five bells is remarkable on account of its unusual saddle-back roof. This as we see it now, was erected in the 19th Century, but, as the picture at the West end shows, the Tower always did have a saddle-back roof, though possibly not quite so steep as the present one. The lower part of the Tower is either 14th or 15th Century.

In 1969, a great teal of work was done - by Parishioners to restore the interior of the Church. And a very good job they made of it. In 1973/4 considerable work was done to restore the Fabric of the Church and Tower and the Bells were also, at the same time restored.

THE LUXBOROUGH CHURCH STORY
Set in the foothills of the Brendon Hills within the Exmoor National Park, on the Southern slope of Croydon Hill, the ancient Church of St. Mary the Virgin, Luxborough, enjoys a setting of peace and quiet and beauty which has few rivals.

THE EARLIEST BEGINNINGS
The earliest beginnings of Luxborough Church are difficult to discover. A Church is mentioned in a gift of property given to Bruton Priory when ii was founded early in the 12th Century and, as it is coupled with the Church at Cutcombe, we may presume that, even at that early date, the two were united. But this site is much more ancient than that, as the Cross in the Churchyard shows. The date of this fragment is difficult to decide, some authorities think it is Norman, while others believe it to be Saxon. In any case it is well worthy of inspection and will be seen in the Churchyard to the South of the Church. Other interesting features in the Churchyard are the two 15th Century tombs with most unusual panelled sides and shields. These are quite close to the Cress - the one on the left of the path is probably the better. THE CHANCEL: 1220 - 1240

This is unquestionably the most interesting and beautiful part of the Church and was built some time during the 13th Century. The small lancet windows and the charming little buttress on the South side (exterior) are very good examples of this period. Note that the little window on the North side is unusually narrow, probably to reduce the cold influence from that quarter!

The East window and the "Priest's Door" in the South wall belong to the 15th Century and are very good examples of that period. The glass in the East window is modern but very pleasing and lends a lovely touch of colour to the whole East end. The roof as we see it is quite modern and, although pleasant to look at, is of no historical interest. However, during a recent inspection, an older roof was discovered behind it and it is hoped that, as soon as funds allow, this will be exposed to view if it is at all possible. THE NAVE

At first this appears completely modern and of no interest at all. True enough, the windows and door are quite modern, dating only from the beginning of the 20th Century, but the ancient waJ still remains behind the plaster on the South side. It is difficult to date this with certainty but it is thought to be probably 13th Century, the same as the Chancel further East. Notice, on the exterior of this wall, two projections, one at either end. The one at the West end is the easier to see, just beside the porch. This is certainly an early buttress, though how early it is hard to say.The font is 13th Century too and is worthy of inspection. Notice also the ancient Grave slabs in the floor.
THE NORTH AISLE

The rest of the Nave and the North Aisle are relatively modern ar were created in the late 19th Century and the early 20th Centur In the 19th Century there had been an amount of mining, most for iron, on the Brendon Hills which caused not only an increase the population but also in the wealth of the neighbourhood. This turn left its mark in the restoration and enlargement of the Church THE TOWER

The Tower was dated by Pevsner as 14th Century and contains fine peel of five bells. It is remarkable on account of its unusu "saddle-back" roof. The structure you see today was erected 1861 but as the picture at the West end shows, the tower alwa; did have a saddle-back roof although possibly not quite as steep the present one. RESTORATION

In 1969 a great deal of work was done by Parishioners to resto the interior of the Church and a very good job they made of it! 1973/74 considerable work was done to restore the Fabric of tl Church and Tower and the Bells were also at the same tin restored.

SKELETONS UNEARTHED
In June 1996 a possibly medieval family was unearthed in tl churchyard during drainage improvement work on the North sic of the church. Ultimately the skeletons of four adults and tv children together with some partial skeletons and shards of 13 pottery were discovered. The report of the expensive pathologic analysis, carried out in Bristol, is lodged with the Exmoor Nation Park archaeoligist. It is hoped that this will add to the knowledj as to how people lived on Exmoor in the Middle Ages. MILLENNIUM WINDOW

Following the above drainage works the external render and tl internal plaster on the North side had to be partly removed. The works revealed an old stone framed window which had be< blocked up with stone and covered over. This prompted the Paris to generate a fund to re-instate the window in stained glass commemorate the Millennium and installation was completed May 2002. In many cases contributions have been made dedication of loved ones who will be remembered in pari records.

Such then is the story of St Mary's Church, Luxborough , a story love and care. We feel very proud of this lovely heritage and ha' spent great efforts and funds on its preservation and beautificatio all so that it can be handed on to future generations as a wortl House of God where everyone may find peace and joy - not just when things get difficult or go wrong but for all at any time

See also: www.luxborough.org.uk

Contributed by: Julie Elliot, Penny Ward