Plymtree
There is a fine Perpendicular rood screen of nine bays, retaining its groining, cornice, and doors; it does seem to have been made for the church, as it does not fit its present position. The panel paintings are in a very good state of preservation, this is probably due, as in several other places, to the protection afforded by high-backed pews.
The three male figures in the representation of the Adoration of the Magi have been said to be portraits of King Henry VII [r. 1485-1509], Prince Arthur [died 1502], and Cardinal Morton [elected Archbishop of Canterbury in 1486].
The screen is one of the finest in Devon, complete except for the parapets of the Roodloft. The woodwork seems to be in excellent condition. The polychrome decoration is amongst the best preserved in the country, and the figure panels are of good quality for a rural parish church - Anna Hulbert (1986)
01: James Major, John the Baptist, Christ
02: John Evangelist, Anthony Egypt, St Thomas
03: The Annunciation, Gabriel and Mary
03: The Annunciation, Mary and Elizabeth
04: Virgin and child, Casper
04: Melchior, Balthasar
05: A bishop, St Catherine
05: St Roche, an Angel
06: St Margaret, St John the Baptist
06: St Mary Magdalen, St Joseph of Arimathea
07: St Zita, An Archbishop (St Thomas?)
07: St Dorothy, St Michael
08: St Sidwell, St Sebastian
08: St Helena, a pilgrim saint
09: St Agnes, St Edward the Confessor
09: Virgin saint, a non-royal
Screen