Welcome to another of Devon's hidden gems! This little church is well worth making the diversion from the main road. Parking is available mere feet from GZ as well, on the other side of the gate.
St. Mary the Virgin has Norman origins, 14th and 15th century structure, and seats so few that it keeps the feel of a chapel on a country estate, which it was until the 20th century. It was extensively rebuilt in 1876 but retains some pre-Restoration features.
On approach, you will spot the striking capped tower - St. Mary the Virgin did have a full tower until a fire in the late 17th century caused it to topple. Instead of rebuilding, the industrious parish chose to flatten the stump and cover it with tiles. This charming repair rather puts me in mind of kintsugi - the Japanese practice of repairing broken ceramics with a resin that incorporates powdered gold. The idea is that the item is now unique, and of greater value because it has been broken.
Inside the church there are even more impressive sights: a 15th century carved chancel screen, the style of which suggests a Breton immigrant craftsman at work; and three 14th century bells made in Exeter, one of which still works!
We (Beau_Boudreau and robync1988) have placed this cache to celebrate our wedding. We asked if we could get married at Brushford, and as residents of Winkleigh it wasn't out of the question, but the wheels of episcopal administration move rather slowly, and in the end we couldn't wait! I hope we keep this cache going for many years and will try and update it with swag on our anniversaries.