Welcome to
St Mary
the Blessed Virgin
Parish Church
Exbourne

The oldest features are the piscinae (one in the porch, the other in the south wall of the chancel) and the base of the font.
Much of the present church is fifteenth century though it was extensively restored by R M Fulford and the chancel almost entirely rebuilt in 1886-8 at a cost of £1,050. The organ chamber was added as a part of this project.
The wagon roof, which incorporates some good bosses, is characteristic of many churches in this part of the country. The rood screen first added in 1430, was removed around 1835 and the present screen which includes fragments of the original, was erected in 1899. Soon after the finely carved oak pews were also given to the church.  The carving of ‘The Sower’ opposite the font is particularly impressive.

By far the most important and significant part of the church is the magnificent East Window. This dates from the early part of the fourteenth century and Pevsner, in his ‘Buildings of England, North Devon’ suggests that it may be the work of an Exeter Cathedral mason. The small chancel window dates to the same time.

Other notable interior features include the pulpit made in 1665 from wood of a tree grown at nearby Woodhall, the home of the Westlake family and the communion table made in 1890 with old oak from the former rectory buildings.
The two memorial windows and three memorial tablets were dedicated to members of prominent local families.

There is a small amount of modestly valued silver ware held in a bank. 

The registers date from 1540 and there are churchwardens’ books dating from early in the reign of Charles II, however those that are not in current use are stored in the Exeter Diocesan Archive
The Tower, built of ashlar granite blocks, is three stage embattled with lofty pinnacles.  The six bells were restored in 1931. The clock, together with the granite cross by the porch, is a 1914-18 War Memorial. 

The building is generally in good order. However, as with all older buildings, there is ongoing maintenance needed, with regard given to the varying needs of today’s parishioners, and to compliance with current health and safety standards, but remaining sympathetic to the church’s historic value. The churchyard surrounding the church is a continuing challenge to keep in good order.
Despite all the changes in the life of the countryside and the rural church, St.Mary’s stands, as it has through the centuries, as a powerful symbol of the Christian faith in Exbourne. The congregation continues to meet three Sundays per month for worship and praise to the glory of God, supported by an enthusiastic team of bell ringers.
The Church Clock is located on the south facing wall of the tower as can be seen in the top photograph in part 1. It has significant visual and functional impact, for all of Exbourne’s parishioners and visitors to the village. As one drives into the village it is clearly visible and many whether or not they form part of the regular congregation take an active interest whenever the clock is not keeping good time. Clearly it is useful to be sure of the time when approaching the church for a service but it has a much wider usage, for example it can be seen directly from the school yard and gates and is used by children and parents alike on school days. Beyond its visual and practical use the clock has a deep significance to the parishioners because it was originally funded by public subscription as a part of the villagers’ recognition of the ultimate price paid by those who lost their lives in the Great War. The clock faces out over the stone cross war memorial which stands proudly below, both form a major part of the annual ecumenical service of remembrance which takes place each November. The Parish Council contribute to the annual maintenance of the clock. 

_{Bibliography: Exbourne Parish Profile St. Mary’s Church Exbourne Guide Listing Description Buildings of England Devon 2^nd Edition – Bridget Cherry and Nikolaus Pesvner}