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Exmoor
NORMAN CHURCHES ON EXMOOR
There are few remains of early churches on Exmoor except for part of an Anglo-Saxon cross
at Porlock and a possible 11th-century window at Culbone. Early herringbone work at Exton is
not easily datable. After the Norman Conquest a wave of church building swept over Exmoor
and must have given employment to many craftsmen especially stone carvers. Seven churches
in southern Exmoor have Norman fonts. That is a remarkable survival in a relatively small
area and may mark the date at which those churches were founded. In West and East Anstey
and Winsford the church was probably built next to the manor house, as is customary in
lowland areas. Although settlements now cluster around most churches Exford stands isolated
beside an important east—west route across the hills.
The Norman fonts at Brushford, Hawkridge, Molland, Twitchen, West Anstey,
Winsford, and Withypool vary in shape and design. They were carved from large blocks of
stone and most carry cable or chevron patterns. Although most Norman fonts are round, often
called tub fonts, Molland’s font is square and has a scalloped edging. Brushford font is also
square, but of Purbeck marble, now mounted on a modern cluster of columns. It was possibly
given by the de Cartrai family, Domesday tenants of the manor.
Given the concentration of royal estates it was likely to be the king or wealthy nobles
who built the churches. A great deal of expense must have been incurred not only on the
building but also in providing fonts, altars, linen, embroidered vestments, candlesticks, and
crosses. Churches were probably the only substantial stone buildings on Exmoor and would
have dominated the landscape. That the origins of churches were important to parishioners is
shown in the common practice of preserving Norman south doorways during later rebuilding.
Mary Suirat
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Exmoor Reference
At Hawkridge the fine Romanesque doorway indicates that the church was built at this period
and at considerable expense. Winsford has what appears to be a re-set Norman inner door.
Neighbouring Exton has a Norman nave and so has Molland.
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Mary Suirat
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Exmoor Reference