Church of St Andrew

St Andrew’s Church stands in the quiet village of Bere Ferrers in Devon. Built between 1290 and 1340, it mixes styles from the late 13th to the 15th century. The oldest stained-glass window in Devon outside Exeter Cathedral dates from around 1420. The north transept is the earliest part, while the south aisle is the latest addition. An archpresbytery was founded here in 1333, marking its early importance. The church holds fine medieval details. A Norman font survives from the 12th century, and an altar stone of unusual type is set in the chancel. Bench ends carry traceried arches and two heraldic carvings show the Ferrers and Willoughby families. Monuments include an early knight and lady effigy and a tomb chest from the 1520s for Robert Willoughby, 2nd Baron Willoughby de Broke. In 1821 the draughtsman Charles Alfred Stothard died after falling while tracing a window; his tombstone lies in the churchyard. Inside, the south porch ceiling has oak bosses carved with the arms of Ferrers, Latimer, Cheyne and Gorges. The heraldic bench ends and roof bosses tell the story of local families through their coats of arms. The churchyard contains yews and other trees, adding to the calm atmosphere of this ancient building.