The Church of St George the Martyr, Dean Prior
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The Church of St George the Martyr, Dean Prior
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St
George the Martyr
Dean
Prior was first recorded by the Bishop in 1186 as part of the
possession of the Priory of Plympton. The first known priest, Gervase of
Crediton, was ordained in 1261. Of his church, however, only the West
Tower and font remain. The present building was largely rebuilt in C.15th
on the site of the earlier Norman Church. The
early West Tower has a central polygonal stair-turret on the south side,
with bell openings and an embattled parapet. The red sandstone Norman font
is intricately carved with frieze crosses saltire and two elongated
dragons. the font cover, much restored, dates from C.17th. During
the seventeenth century, the Vicar of Dean Prior was the poet Robert
Herrick. In those days the parish population was about 400 people. Now the
population is approximately 160. Robert Herrick composed the epitaph
to Sir Edward Giles and his wife, which adorns the interesting memorial in
the south aisle of the church. A
Dean Prior Miscellany with local historical information and
pictures has been published to raise money for the Church Repair Fund
2000. Copies
of the Miscellany can be purchased at the Church at £2.50 GBP each |
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great yew tree in the churchyard was planted in 1780. The lytch gate
was built last century and replaced the church house and alms
houses. The village surrounding the church, once included a school,
and many cottages, these were all pulled down to build the new road
through. |
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Church
Records: Parish Registers going back to 1557 are now held by Exeter Record
Office.
Please make your own arrangements to view these directly with the Record
Office.
BELOW IS A LIST OF THE FAMILY NAMES FROM THE ORIGINAL PARISH RECORDS 1558-1837
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DEAN PRIOR
FAMILIES
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