HISTORY (cont.)
In the 1870 restoration and enlargement the Nave and Chancel were pulled down, and when rebuilt the Nave was lengthened by 18 feet. The transepts were added at this time, reusing the windows which were originally under the tower arches. The tower (15th Century) and the porch with its fine vaulting were all that remained intact in their original state. However the old materials were re-used as far as possible - the window facing the south entrance door was the original East Window and is a fine example of its period.
The West Window and doorway are also the originals - rebuilt in their new position. This doorway is interesting, though now very weather worn, and the carving from one spandrel is missing. The archway is supported by two figures, one of Queen Margaret, (who was given the Manor of Odcombe as a dowry by her father Henry VII on her marriage to King James IV of Scotland in 1503), the other of a bishop with mitre.
To enable the south transept to be built the churchyard was raised, so now only the tops of the table tombs to the South of the Church can be seen. While the Church was being rebuilt services were held in the school opposite (the old school building has now become a private residence, - the school itself has been incorporated in All Saints Benefice School )
Above the pulpit the new 'string course' shows the thickness of the old wall, while on the south side, alongside the organ, note where the old wall was sawn through - the opening is not as wide as on the north side, for the belfry stairs prevented this.
The West Window and doorway are also the originals -
Above the pulpit the new 'string course' shows the thickness of the old wall, while on the south side, alongside the organ, note where the old wall was sawn through -
Above the door giving access to the tower, can be seen the door which gave access to the rood-loft, and the corbel which was a support. The ringing chamber floor was at one time much lower, and on the east face of the tower wall there are the two hooks on which the door was hung. (the crudely filled-in doorway can be seen when climbing the tower steps).
