Crediton Congregational Church
Crediton, Devon
This Grade I parish church is situated in the centre of the ancient Saxon hilltop village of Sandford.
It owes its significance to the fertile red loam soil and the agricultural community, many of whom worshipped here and provided the funds for the growth and development of the church over the centuries. The Davie family (later Ferguson-Davie) of Creedy Park were major benefactors for over 400 years and memorials abound in the church.
There are a large number of intriguing bench ends carved in the 16th century. They depict the adventuring spirit of Elizabethan England; sailors, exotic animals, pineapples and possibly Henry VIII are beautifully carved. Nobody knows their origin!