CONGRATULATIONS TO WestwoodHo and Camalot10 for the FTF
Saxons of the 7th century were mostly Christian and it may be reasonable to assume the church was founded around this time, however there is no firm evidence of this. The first historical evidence is reference to a grant made by King Athelstan (925-940). While living at Umberleigh in about 930, Athelstan gave land to support a priest and build a church for High Bickington and Atherington. This original church was probably made of cob and stone and long since disappeared without trace beneath the present building. Atherington acquired its own parish church in due course.
At around 1100, the Normans having conquered the Saxon lands, erected a stone building on the present site. Parts of this can still be recognised, for example the font and some of the stonework on the South side of the Chancel. This church was also thatched and had chancel, nave and a tower.
The church was substantially altered and enlarged during the 15th century with the addition of the north aisle and the present South tower. The old Norman tower was truncated to eaves height and now forms the vestry. Remains of the old tower steps can be seen in the vestry wall. The rector of the time, Sir John Comptone is buried in the chancel, lying virtually in the centre of the building at that time.The slated roof is first mentioned in an 18th century churchwarden's account.
The lychgate in front of Bickington church (May 2012). The room over was built relatively recently, in 1901. The structure incorporates a wooden arch from the early or mid 16th century. The plaque on the front wall records the arrival of the mains water supply to the village in 1962.
Jane Bickford Oct BAth BCDE
Emma Bickford June Fth BCFC
John Bickford Fth August BGFF
Nathanuell Bickford HJth Aug BGFF
Cache can be found at
N50.32.(F-H)(B+J)(AxH) W003.41.(C-D)(E/D+H)(F-G)
**************************************
For full information on how you can expand the Church Micro series by sadexploration please read the Place your own Church Micro page before you contact him.
See also the Church Micro Statistics and Home pages for further information about the series.
*************************************