Totness Church, Devonshire ([1811])

The antiquarian & topographical cabinet. London: W. Clark & J. Carpenter, 1808. Vol. X.TOTNESS CHURCH, DEVONSHIRE. This Church, which is a handsome structure, was erected in the fourteenth century; it underwent some repairs about twenty-five years ago, when the beautiful symmetry was destroyed by various tasteless alterations in the windows and other parts of the fabric. The chancel is separated from the body of the Church by an elegant screen of ornamental tracery in stone-work; but the altar-piece, instead of corresponding with the rest of the building, is of Grecian design, having a classical semi-dome, supported by Corinthian pillars.The date of the foundation of this Church was unknown till about four years ago, when the south-east pinnacle was struck by lightning, in a violent storm, and in its fall, besides other considerable damage, beat in the roof of a small room over the porch: in this room were two chests full of old records and papers, which becoming exposed by this accident, among them was found a grant from bishop Lacy for forty days indulgeuce [sic] "to those people who might contribute any thing towards rebuilding the Church at Totness." This was dated at Chudleigh, were [sic] the bishops of Exeter had a palace, 1432. It may be observed, in confirmation, that the arms of Lacy, viz, three shovellers heads on a shield, may yet be seen on a porch, though nearly obliterated.The town of Totness boasts of high antiquity: the Roman foss-way, extending from north to south, through Devonshire and Somersetshire, begun here. The situation of the town is extremely fine. The number of houses is 294: these are principally disposed in one street, about three quarters of a mile in length, terminated on the east by a bridge, over the river Dart. It was formerly surrounded by a wall, and had four gates: the east and north gates are now standing. [Text may be taken from a different source or edition than that listed as the source by Somers Cocks.]

Copper l.engr

86x61mm

S032. THE ANTIQUARIAN & TOPOGRAPHICAL CABINET.