Timberscombe

St.Petroc, Timberscombe

The red sandstone village, south of Dunster, takes it's name from the wooded valley surrounding it. The church is well worth a look with a rood screen and a 17th century pulpit.

Timberscombe, a small wayside village, 3 m. S.W. of Dunster on the Dulverton road. The church (Perp.) has an unimposing tower (rebuilt 1708) with slate pyramidal spire. Within is a small coloured rood-screen resembling that at Carhampton, but with staircase intact.

Note (1) piscinas in chancel and aisle, (2) old wooden door to N. entrance, (3) Devonshire foliage on one of the arcade piers (cp. Luccombe). In the churchyard is a restored cross. Half a mile beyond the village is the manor house of Bickham, one wing of which was originally a chapel

ST. PETROCK'S CHURCH, TIMBERSCOMBE

The Dedication of this Church in the name of St. Petrock is known from wills made in 1543 and suggests that it may have been founded in the 6th century by St Petrock himself or by one of his followers. He was one of the famous missionaries from Wales to Somerset Devon and Cornwall, where he founded many churches, of which the chief is Bodmin. In ancient calendars his festival is June 4th.

Most of the present building is 15th century work, the NORTH DOORWAY and CHANCEL being about 1450. though parts of the NAVE WALLS may be earlier. Parts of the walls were rebuilt and windows reconstructed late in the 19th century. Some old seating remains.

• The SOUTH AISLE with its beautiful pillars, arches and east window, was added early in the 16th century.
• In the EAST WINDOW a few fragments of ancient glass remain.
• The TOWER was rebuilt in 1705 by a great benefactor RICHARD ELSWORTH.
• Much of the ROOF was renewed late in the 19th century but many of the old timbers were re-used, as well as the BOSSES which should be specially noted.
• The PORCH has its original roof and the 15th century NORTH DOOR retains earlier ironwork, as well as the original handle and lock.
• The rich fan vaulted SCREEN is one of a group made about 1500, probably at Dunster, of which 7 still exist. The stair to the loft above it has its original door.
• The Tudor SOUTH DOORWAY was blocked up for many years and was uncovered in 1955.
• The MURAL painting of King David above it dates from about the time of the Reformation and was discovered in 1955.
• The FONT is of the 15th century and the ancient tiles near it were made at Cleeve Abbey.
• The PULPIT is early 17th century and typical of this area and period
• PISCINAS for 2 ALTARS remain in the walls.
• The ALTAR CANDLESTICKS are English. 19th century, and th CROSS was added in 1955.
• The LECTERN was designed and made in the parish locally in 1955
• The NAVE wrought iron electric light fittings were also made locaily.
• The CHURCHYARD CROSS still has its 15th century base and shaft.
• There is a PEAL of EIGHT BELLS.

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