Bickleigh's St Mary’s Church can be trace its history back to Saxon times, however nothing remains of the original building, which is thought to have been first built around 700AD. The current church dates back to around 1268, the approximate date of its consecration. The oldest object in the church is the font, which is considered to be late 12th century Norman tub pattern judging from its star and pellet moulding.

Additional parts of the building including the 13th century Tower, Chancel and Nave were added to in the 15th Century with the addition of the present day South Aisle, which is separated from the Nave by 4 arches. The old Norman door was also relocated to its current position. The patronage of the living at the parish can be shown passing from the Pontyngton and Courtenay families through to the Carew family in the 15th Century who remain the patrons today.

The Post-Reformation tombs of the Carew family are some of the most admired in Devon and most notable among them are an effigy of John Carew (1588) in Half-armour and a particularly beautiful one of Peter and Elizabeth Carew (1634 and 1619). The Carew's were a prominent family in the area and owners of Bickleigh Castle.

The church overlooks the Exe Valley to the southwest with picturesque views of the woods and fields overlooking the River Exe.

Address (church): Saint Mary Bickleigh, Bickleigh, Tiverton, Devon EX16 8RB

Contact: Rev Paul Kingdom

Address (Rev Paul Kingdom): The Rectory, 21A King Street, Silverton, Devon EX5 4JG

Telephone: 01392 860560 07803 922605

Website: St. Mary Bickleigh

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