HISTORICAL OVERVIEW OF THE PARISHES

Welcome to the ancient parishes bordered by the castles of Berry Pomeroy and Compton and nestling in the delightful scenery of the South Hams. Here you will find the homes of the Duke of Somerset and the Gilbert Families.

MARLDON PARISH CHURCH

The earliest mention of a church in Marldon is in 1348. The oldest part of the current church is the tower dating from around 1400. The rest of the church mainly dates from 1460. The baptismal font is contemporary with the rest of the building. In the north wall is a blocked up door way the lontel of which is formed from a piece of 14th century tracery - probably from the previous church on this site.

The screen was taken down in 1830. The Lady Chapel in the north aisle dates from 1490 when it was established as a chantry chapel by Otho Gilbert. On either side of the chancel are canopied "tombs" commemorating Otho and his wife Elizabeth.

The Gilbert family of Compton Castle have had long connections with the church and have been generous patrons since its earliest days.

The picture windows are all 19th or 20th century. The roundel in the east window contains the arms of Geoffery Gilbert (died 1349) and those of his wife Joan de Compton.

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BERRY POMEROY PARISH CHURCH

The church of St Mary Berry Pomeroy is an attractive building, rebuilt on the site of a more ancient church, in the time of Sir Richard Pomeroy, who died in 1496, and whose tomb is in the N. E. corner of the chancel.

The old altar rails and altar table, now in the north aisle, are 17th century; as are the Royal Arms of William and Mary. King William lll who landed at Brixham from Holland in 1688, is thought to have held his first Parliament at Longcombe, less than a mile from the church.

There is a fine monument to Sir Edward Seymour, son of the Lord Protector and his son, Edward and of tghe latter's wife, Elizabeth Champernowne. The Duke of Somerset was the Lord Protector of the Realm, governing England between 1547 - 1549, the early years of the reign of King Edward Vl, who was too young to rule.

The 42 ft rood screen is one of the most perfect in Devon. The rood screen was defaced byRoundhead troops of Oliver Cromwell circa 1640.

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