Dowland St Peter's Church

Dowland Church Window Appeal

The Church of St Peter in Dowland was founded in 1132, although it is thought a simple wooden structure may well have occupied the site before this. Entering through the South door, the fabric of the nave is judged to be Norman, the tower to your left was added in the 15^th century, and the North aisle in front of you added in the 16^th century. Indeed, the majority of the Church as we see it today dates back to, and has remained unchanged since, these times. There were 3 bells here in 1553, but the present ring of 5 are dated 1826 and the frame in which they swing was installed in 1886, they were then rehung again after restoration work in 1997.

The Church has some very interesting and unusual features, especially its oak 3 bay arcade of which only one other exists in Devon (Nymet Rowland) and its 16^th century carved bench ends depicting a number of motifs including the crossed keys of St Peter, the severed ear of Malchus, and the Stafford family crest. The pew nearest the pulpit dates to 1546 and shows the Coats of arms of Robert Stafford and Elizabeth Menwenick, who were married in 1520.

So much history right on our doorstep, and it falls to each generation to maintain these ancient buildings for future generations to use and enjoy. The current pandemic has seen churches closed for probably the longest period in their entire history, with these closures in mind the PCC in Dowland took the opportunity to embark on some much-needed repairs to three of the windows. Repairs to the mullions, leaded glass and ferramenta was required to the East windows, but the majority of the work was done to the 14^th century South window. This window requiring a complete new mullion, removal and re leading of all the glass, and the preservation of a medieval piece of stained glass. Following the restoration, the depiction of a winged ox can now be clearly seen.

St Luke is symbolised as a winged ox (or bull), a figure of sacrifice, service and strength. Indeed, the four authors of the Gospels each have their own symbols; the Angel for St Matthew, the Lion for St Mark, the Ox for St Luke and the Eagle for St John. It is likely that the other apertures at the top of the South window would have contained these depictions, but they have sadly been lost. The most probable culprit being the English Civil War.  With Dowland being set between the battle sites of Torrington and Hatherleigh Moor in early 1646, passing soldiers may well have used the Church as a defensive or mustering point, a common practise during the Civil War, the towers providing excellent lookout posts.

It has taken most of the churches finances to pay for the window project.  In previous years we would have been able to undertake a number of fund-raising activities to help pay for large repairs such as these, events like the 2018 Red Remembrance Garland (there are plans for another similar event), musical evenings at Stafford Barton, flower and wedding festivals, all of which were for good local causes as well as the upkeep of the Church. The limitations of Covid have put a stop to these activities, but we have been trying to think of new ways to generate funds to maintain this special Church. Our “scrap metal” appeal is up and running, if you have any unwanted metal items, they can be taken to Dunn’s Ploughs yard in Dowland, where there is a skip, 100% of these donations going to the upkeep of the Church. We can take all sorts of items, from an old car, disused machinery, car batteries, old lawnmowers, down to saucepans! The most important thing is IT MUST BE METAL. It’s a great way to get rid of your metal rubbish and help raise funds for the Church.

Please contact Graham on 01805 804593 or 07974 260361 if you require assistance.

Dowland Church has served generations of local families over the past 900 years, we now take our turn as the current caretakers to ensure its future for generations to come, as so many have done before us.  If you wish to simply make a donation please send it to ‘Dowland PCC’ care of Sue Dunn (Treasurer) The Beeches, Dowland.  Thank you.