St Winifred's Church, Branscombe

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St Winifred’s Church is a Church of England church in Branscombe, Devon. It is dedicated to Saint Winifred, a Welsh saint, and is one of the oldest and most important parish churches in Devon. The church probably dates back to around the year 995, though records of its vicars only go back to the 1200s. There is evidence of an earlier Saxon church on the site, with Saxon-style carving in the tower stairs suggesting a 10th-century origin. The church sits on level ground away from the coast, likely chosen to protect it from Viking raids or because the site was already sacred in pre-Christian times.

In the past, the church held St Brannoc’s arm as a relic, which was moved to Milton Abbey in Dorset in 933 by order of King Athelstan. St Winifred’s was owned by the monks of Exeter Cathedral. The building is partly Norman and partly medieval. The tower is in the center, with transepts that extend to the west in an unusual arrangement. The nave is Norman; the transepts may date from the 13th century, and the chancel from the 14th century, though its east window was replaced during the bishopric of Neville (1458–1464).

The church has several notable features, including a 15th-century font and a rare three-decker pulpit. Other woodwork includes a Jacobean screen, a west gallery, and altar rails from around 1700. A mural in the north transept commemorates Joan Tregarthin, who died in 1583. She was the daughter of John Tregarthin of Cornwall and had two marriages, with many children in both families. The memorial shows her kneeling behind each husband, a double appearance that local historian Ronald Branscombe says is unique in British memorial art. The memorial has suffered neglect and has been whitewashed several times, making some details hard to read, but the relief sculpture is well made.