A brief glance at the two drawings show us how vastly different the Church
looked before and after the great restoration and enlargement which took place in 1867. In that year the Chancel and north and south Aisles
were extended eastwards, the three galleries at the west end removed, the door in the north wall walled in, a Vestry Room added, the whole Floor repaved, new Windows inserted in the walls of the Church and Chancel, a Communion Table and Rails, Pulpit,Reading Desk, Organ, and Pews set up.
The history of the Church dates from Plantagenet times.William I (The Conqueror) granted the Manor of Samford(i.e. Sandy Ford) to one of his chief generals at the Battle of Hastings, Roger Arundel. Arundel is a nick-name from Old French arendel, meaning swallow. This Roger's grandson Roger some time before 1265 granted the Church of Sampford Arundel to the Monastery of Canonsieigh 2½ miles away in Burlescombe parish, Devon.Remains of this monastery soon to become a nunnery are still extant. The List of Vicars of Sampford Arundel placed near the Font begins with Robert Howel, 1324,He is the first resident Vicar whose name we know, the Abbess and Convent having previously appointed only visiting Chaplains to the Church. Thus though much of the present building dates from the 13th. century there has been a Church on this site for at least 765 years.
The Heart Shrine in the north wall, probably 15th. century, is of most unusual character consisting of two arms supporting a truncated sphere thought to represent a heart. The crocketed canopy is of later date surmounted by a (?) helm. This Shrine may possibly be that of a crusader or of a Sampford Arundel man who died in foreign parts whose relics were placed in the deep recess in front which has long been empty.
The oak Choir Stalls dedicated in 1946 were made by Mr. W.E.Underhill of Holcombe Rogus, Devon. The Altar was raised in height from 2'8" to 3' and a 4" step made before it in 1937. The two hanging Pictures in the Chancel were given by Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Fox of Easterlands in 1946.The carved oak Pulpit was presented in 1900 by Mrs. Sweet and her family as a memorial to the Reverend George Sweet, Vicar of this parish. It was designed, carved and erected by Mr.W.J.Giles of Taunton.
The Monument on the west wall of the north aisle is to Christopher Baker, High Sheriff of Somerset in 1724 who died in 1729. It is the oldest monument in the Church.The Church Registers date from 1695.The Church Plate includes a Chalice with Cover made by Thomas Parr both inscribed "C.B. Sampferd 1707" the initials JR.probably being those of the Christopher Baker mentioned above,also a Paten inscribed "G I.E. 1725" ; also a Chalice and Paten given in memory of L.Harold G.Morgan of Woolombe in this parish who died in 1959.The War Memorial by the Church gates was erected in 1921.The Church Clock with two faces was given by Mr. Gilchrist of Werescote in this parish who died in 1959.
The Church Bells
There is a very good peal of six Bells :-
The 1st. (weight 2½ cwt.) added in 1958 is inscribed "Glory to GOD in the Highest"
The 2nd. inscribed "Thomas Bilbie, Cullompton, Devon :fecit 1794 ".
The 3rd. inscribed "Long live William the 4th. A.D.1830W. and C.T.Paimel. Founders. Cullompton ".
The 4th. inscribed "Me melior non est campana sub" . .Translation: " better than I, there is nobell beneath the sky". Date: early l6th. century.
The 5th. inscribed : "Est mihi collatum I.H.S. istudnomen amatum". The Greek capitals I.H.S. form the first three letters of the Name JESUS. Hence thisis one of the so-called"Jesus Bells" and was probably cast by Robert Norton at Exeter in the reign of Henry VI (1422 - '61 and 1470-'71).
One of the bells at Dawlish Wake near Ilminster is similarly inscribed but put in a slightly different way: "I.H.S. est mihi collatum istudnomen amatum". Translation : "Jesus the Saviour of man: that blessed name is conferred upon me".
The 6th.(weight 8 cwt,) inscribed: "I sound to be in the sicke repent In hope of life .-when breath is spent.Edmund Parsons. C.W. 1668. W. '.P. "C.^. no doubt represents "Church harden".W.P. probably stands for William Purdue the Bell-founder whose name is inscribed on the 4th. bell at Bradford-on-Tone cast in 1646 Bells 2 and 6 were rehung in 1868 and again in 1928 when nos,'2,3 & tenor were recast.
Church Pictures and Sketches
The Church, Early morning in late August ('photo psb)
Sketch by The Reverend M.C.Browning, Vicar of the parish, circa 1964
From a Flower Festival, circa 2000('photo supplied by J.Burgess)
A long view from the east side, with beautiful copper foliage ('photo psb)
Window on the north side ('photo psb)
Another Flower festival picture ('photo supplied by J.Burgess)
At the Church gate ('photo psb)
View from Holy Cross, Werescote and Whiteball Hill.('photo psb)
TEAM VICAR of the Holywell Group of Churches
Rev. Christopher Rowley The Vicarage, 62, Rockwell Green, TA21 9BX
READER
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CHURCH OFFICERS
ALL SAINTS
Rockwell Green
CHURCHWARDENS
Andy Corbett,
Hallhayes Cottage,
Sampford Moor, TA21 9QC
The Monument on the west wall of the north aisle is to Christopher Baker, High Sheriff of Somerset in 1724 who died in 1729. It is the oldest monument in the Church.The Church Registers date from 1695.The Church Plate includes a Chalice with Cover made by Thomas Parr both inscribed "C.B. Sampferd 1707" the initials JR.probably being those of the Christopher Baker mentioned above,also a Paten inscribed "G I.E. 1725" ; also a Chalice and Paten given in memory of L.Harold G.Morgan of Woolombe in this parish who died in 1959.The War Memorial by the Church gates was erected in 1921.The Church Clock with two faces was given by Mr. Gilchrist of Werescote in this parish who died in 1959.
