MOLLAND

Extract from Devon by W.G.Hoskins (1954), included by kind permission of the copyright holder:

MOLLAND is a large parish in beautiful, unspoilt country, running N. from the Yeo valley up to Molland Common, over 1,200 ft. up on the S. edge of Exmoor. Beyond this great ridge Somerset begins. In the S. of the parish are many delightful wooded combes.

West Molland is an ancient mansion, now a farmhouse, with the Courtenay arms over the entrance. It is probably medieval in part, but visitors are discouraged. Champson is another ancient house, mainly 16th century, with some original windows and contemporary panelling. At Great Champson the Quartlys perfected the breed of red North Devon cattle in the late 18th century and kept a fine herd here for some generations.

Molland church (St. Mary) is of out-standing interest. It is a simple I5th to 16th century building, replacing an older structure of which the Norman font alone remains, together with two medieval bells. But it escaped the Victorian "restorer" and its atmosphere is wholly that of the 18th century rustic, plastered and whitewashed throughout, with box-pews and canopied three-decker plupit (plate 49), ceiled roofs, and leaning arcade, and a chancel completely enclosed (like Parracombe). The quasi-screen is of the same period as the pews, with folding gates and open framework on either side, surmounted by a plastered tympanum which completely fills the chancel opening. There is, too, a fine series of monuments to the I 7th and 18th century Courtenays, together with a curious double heart-stone, railed off, a receptacle for the hearts of a Courtenay and his wife. In this delightful little church, in the foothills of the high wild moor, one breathes again the tranquil air of the Georgian countryside.

GOOGLE STREET VIEW - MOLLAND CHURCH

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