St Mary Steps
St Mary Steps
St. Mary Steps is a historic church located in the city of Exeter, Devon, England. The church is known for its unique architecture and rich history, dating back several centuries.
Architecture and Design
The church of St. Mary Steps features a blend of architectural styles, reflecting its long history of construction and renovations. The original structure dates back to the 12th century, with subsequent additions and alterations over the centuries. The church showcases a combination of Norman, Gothic, and Perpendicular architectural elements, creating a visually striking and diverse design.
One of the notable features of St. Mary Steps is its tower, which stands at the west end of the church. The tower is constructed in the Perpendicular style and is adorned with intricate stone carvings and decorative motifs. It serves as a prominent landmark in Exeter’s skyline and offers stunning views of the surrounding area from its top.
Historical Significance
St. Mary Steps holds significant historical importance in Exeter. The church played a vital role in the religious and cultural life of the city throughout the centuries. It served as a place of worship, a community gathering space, and witnessed numerous events that shaped the local history.
The name “St. Mary Steps” refers to the flight of steps leading up to the church. These steps were historically used as a pilgrimage route by devout Christians. Today, they serve as a reminder of the church’s spiritual significance and attract visitors interested in exploring the historical heritage of Exeter.
Preservation and Restoration
Over the years, St. Mary Steps has undergone various restoration projects to preserve its architectural integrity and heritage. The church’s historical features, including its stained glass windows, intricate woodwork, and medieval wall paintings, have been carefully conserved to ensure their longevity.
The efforts of preservation and restoration have been led by dedicated volunteers and organizations, working to maintain St. Mary Steps as a cultural and historical treasure for future generations. The church welcomes visitors and provides guided tours to showcase its architectural beauty and share its captivating stories.
Community Engagement
Beyond its architectural and historical significance, St. Mary Steps continues to be an active place of worship and a center for community engagement. Regular religious services, events, and activities take place within the church, bringing together the local community and fostering a sense of belonging.
The church also hosts cultural and educational events, including concerts, art exhibitions, and lectures, further enriching the community’s experience. St. Mary Steps serves as a venue for celebrations, commemorations, and gatherings, contributing to the vibrant cultural scene of Exeter.
St. Mary Steps in Exeter is a remarkable church with a captivating history and architectural beauty. It stands as a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the city and continues to be an essential part of the community’s life.
St. Mary Steps in Exeter
St. Mary Steps is a compact church located within the medieval walls of Exeter, reflecting its constricted site. The unique layout of the church is evident in its angled eastern wall, resulting in a longer northern side compared to the southern side. The site itself rises sharply to the north, which accounts for the elevated appearance of the southern aisle, balancing its level with the chancel.
Architectural Features
The church’s main facade faces south, presenting the southern aisle and its adjacent tower to the street. The aisle showcases three three-light Perpendicular windows adorned with panel tracery, which were likely renewed during the 19th-century restoration. Below the southeastern window, there is a simple round-headed doorway and a three-light mullioned window that once served as a porter’s lodge for the southeastern chapel. Both the aisle and the tower have battlements, adding to their architectural character.
The unbuttressed tower, standing tall with two stories, serves as the entrance porch to the church. At the base of the tower, there is a round-arch doorway with a gentle, continuous wave molding. Above it, a two-light window brings in natural light. A notable feature on the tower is a clock dating back to 1619, set within a square frame. The clock’s dial includes symbols representing the sun, moon, and stars, indicating the hours and minutes. Below the clock, at the base of the second stage, a niche with a cusped, ogee canopy and pinnacles can be found, accompanied by buttresses on the sides. Within this niche, three figures known as “quarter jacks” are seated, dating from 1620-21. The figures, armed and representing Matthew the Miller and his sons, carry symbolic significance, paying tribute to a punctual miller of Cricklepit.
The belfry windows on the tower are relatively small and consist of two lights. A stair-turret is indicated by three small windows in the southwest corner of the tower. Moving to the chancel, there is a three-light east window adorned with 19th-century cusped intersecting tracery. Adjacent to it, toward the north, is a blocked round-headed doorway. Lastly, the northwest vestry, added perhaps in the late 19th or early 20th century, is a utilitarian structure constructed with inexpensive bricks.
Historical Significance and Heritage
St. Mary Steps holds significant historical and architectural heritage within the city of Exeter. Its distinctive design, combining various styles and features, serves as a testament to the city’s cultural legacy. The church has witnessed centuries of worship, community gatherings, and historic events, making it an integral part of Exeter’s rich tapestry.
Efforts have been made to preserve and restore the church over the years, ensuring its architectural integrity and historical features are conserved. Volunteers and organizations have played a vital role in maintaining St. Mary Steps as a cultural treasure, offering guided tours to visitors interested in exploring its beauty and captivating stories.
Community Engagement and Worship
Beyond its architectural and historical significance, St. Mary Steps continues to be an active place of worship and a center for community engagement. It hosts regular religious services, events, and activities that bring together the local community and foster a sense of belonging.
The church also serves as a venue for cultural and educational events, including concerts, art exhibitions, and lectures. These endeavors contribute to the vibrant cultural scene of Exeter, providing opportunities for celebration and commemoration.
St. Mary Steps in Exeter stands as a testament to the city’s history and architectural charm. Its compact design, unique features, and cultural significance make it an intriguing destination for both locals and visitors, offering a glimpse
Created: 23 May 2023 Edited: 29 November 2023
St Mary Steps
Local History around St Mary Steps
There are some historic monuments around including:
Earthwork enclosure 220yds (200m) NE of Church Path Hill PlantationPart of the Roman town of Exeter, beneath Cathedral GreenLinear round barrow cemetery at Castle Park, AlphingtonDanes CastleEarthwork enclosure S of Blackall's CopseTwo bowl barrows, 350m SE of Stevenstone FarmCowley BridgeUnderground passagesSt Loye's Chapel and cross, Rifford RoadSt Nicholas' PrioryWayside cross called Burrow Cross 40m south east of Burrow FarmBowl barrow 280m NNE of Starved Oak CrossBowl barrow in Long Plantation, 610m NE of Starved Oak CrossSt Katherine's Priory, PolsloeMedieval bridge and part of a late medieval conduit under Holloway StreetPaddleford BridgeChurchyard cross 15m south east of St Mary's churchBowl barrow 220m WSW of Starved Oak CrossHall of the Vicars Choral, South StreetBomb damaged remains of St Catherine's Almshouses and chapel and adjacent canon's house, 140m north of the CathedralBowl barrow 450m SSE of Stevenstone FarmSignal stationLaw Library, Cathedral YardRoman signal station 450m north of Marshall FarmBowl barrow 600m W of Starved Oak CrossThe medieval Exe Bridge, St Edmund's Church, and medieval tenement remains, lying between the River Exe and Frog StreetEnclosures NE of Peamore CottageRoman baths (site of), The DeaneryRoman, Anglo Saxon and medieval defences called collectively Exeter City WallsRougemont CastleStoke Hill Camp, a slight univallate hillfortIde BridgeTithe barn at Glebe HouseBowl barrow 400m WSW of Starved Oak CrossStoke Canon BridgeEarthwork enclosure 330yds (300m) SW of Three Horse Shoes InnBowl barrow 320m NE of Starved Oak CrossTwo bowl barrows north of Green Lane, 430m and 330m west of Rewe CrossBowl barrow 500m W of Starved Oak CrossBowl barrow 300m SSE of Stevenstone FarmPynes Cross, 290m east of PynesChurchyard cross 3m south of Upton Pyne churchChurchyard cross 4m south west of Rewe church towerBowl barrow in Long Plantation, 680m NE of Starved Oak CrossBowl barrow 210m NE of Starved Oak CrossBowl barrow 470m east of FortescueBowl barrow 350m NNE of Starved Oak CrossLittle John's Cross.
