DevonBEREFERRERSStAndrew(nilfanionCC-BY-SA3.0)1 Nilfanion

St Andrew

An historic, riverside church with one of the oldest stained glass windows in Devon.

Bere Ferrers, Devon

Opening times

Open 9am to 5pm daily.

Address

Bere Ferrers
Devon
PL20 7JH

The earliest tradition of a church beside the River Tavy was a Saxon building. A new building was erected after the Conquest. This stood until 1332, when a new church was built on the site by Sit William de Ferrers (the Lord of the Manor). The new church was completed in 1333, consecrated and dedicated to St. Andrew. An Arch Priest and four priests lived together across the road in an Arch Presbytery connected to the church by an underground passage. Henry VIII ended this. The Rector still has the title Archpriest.

The church is tall, airy and cruciform, unlike its neighbouring Norman granite churches which were mostly squat and solid with massive towers and without cross aisles. Some seventy years later his grandson, also William, extended and completed the church. The building was altered in the 15th century by the enlargement of the South transept into a full aisle with granite arcades. Much 14th century work remains untouched, though some of the decorated windows were altered in the 17th century. The 14th century glass in the East window is reputed to be the oldest in Devon except one or two windows in Exeter Cathedral. Other features include the carved Norman font; the 16th century seats, carved bench-ends, and book-rests; the 17th century fireplace in the North transept; and the medieval tombs. The canopied tomb with effigies in the chancel is that of Sir William de Ferrers and his wife. In the North transept is an earlier Ferrers tomb and effigy, and also a table tomb.

A later addition were the south aisle, porch and Lady Chapel and tower.

The artist Charles Alfred Stothard fell to his death from a ladder near the altar in the church while making drawings of the medieval stained glass window in 1821. He is buried in the church graveyard and there is a plaque in his memory in the church. There is also a memorial in the church to ten New Zealand soldiers who were accidentally killed at Bere Ferrers Station in 1917 during World War One. There are also cholera graves.

  • Captivating architecture

  • Enchanting atmosphere

  • Fascinating churchyard

  • Glorious furnishings

  • Magnificent memorials

  • National heritage here

  • Spectacular stained glass

  • Wildlife haven

  • Accessible toilets in church

  • Accessible toilets nearby

  • Church shop or souvenirs

  • Dog friendly

  • On street parking at church

  • Parking within 250m

  • Ramp or level access available on request

  • Space to secure your bike

  • Walkers & cyclists welcome

  • Weekly Sunday service at 11am, apart from the 3rd Sunday in the month, when Cafe Church is held in the Church Hall near the entrance to the village.

  • Church of England

Contact information

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