The Parish Church of All Saints, South Milton, has a long history with
an uncertain beginning, but a definite milestone in 1269 when Bishop
Bronescombe of Exeter granted a licence for a chapel.
The unusual font and
the south door are earlier still, and the walls adjacent to the south
door could be part of a Norman chapel.
At the end of the
13th century the chancel was extended eastwards and the north-south
transept was added. The 14th century saw the building of the
tower and the north aisle, which incorporated the transept and resulted
in the church we see today.
The church has
several interesting features but the most unusual is the font, which
has carvings that appear pagan and have Celtic influences. Are
the faces Pan and Midas? Adam and Eve? Sun and Moon gods? Take a look
and decide for yourself. There is a very good booklet with many
more details of the church interior: call Jan Turner for a copy.
The parish is
presently part of the United Benefice of Thurlestone and South Milton,
with Churchstow and West Alvington. Services are held every
Sunday.
The graveyard around
the church is closed. Burials in the village now take place in the
cemetery opposite the church, which is administered by the parish
council.
Churchwardens: Jan
Turner 01548 560354; Bob Breese 01548 560229.
PCC secretary: Ann
Collyer 01548 560932.
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