St. Mary Steps, Exeter
St. Mary Steps is a parish church in Exeter, located just inside the Roman city wall. It is best known for its old clock.
History
St. Mary Steps Church was built c.1150 and rebuilt in the 15th century. It was probably originally known as St. Mary Minor.
What to See
The red-stone church stands on West Street and Stepcote Hill, a steep and narrow cobblestone path that was once the main road into Exeter from the west. It is surrounded by picturesque Tudor houses.
Most of the present building dates from the 15th-century reconstruction and is made of red Heavitree sandstone. It consists of a main hall, a corner tower with clock and a Late Gothic nave. There are the remains of a rood screen which stood in the demolished church of St. Mary Major.
Among the few Norman remains from the original building are the round arched windows and the font with zigzag carvings. The ornate font cover, altar and nave screen were all carved by Harry Hems in the 19th century.
St. Mary Steps is best known for the old clock on its tower, called the Matthew the Miller Clock. Made in 1619-21 by the Exeter craftsman Matthew Hoppin and restored in 1980, it has a dial with designs representing the four seasons and a niche with a seated figure of King Henry VIII flanked by two guards. On the hour, the guards each strike a bell while Henry nods. The clock is named after a local miller named Matthew who passed the clock at the same times every day.
Quick Facts
| Names: | St. Mary Steps; Church of St. Mary Steps |
| Type of site: | Parish church |
| Faith: | Anglican |
| Status: | Active |
| Dates: | c.1150; rebuilt 15th century |
| Architecture: | Late Gothic |
| Material: | Red Heavitree sandstone |
| Location: | West Street, Exeter, Devon, England |
Location Map
Location map and satellite view of St. Mary Steps. Using the buttons on the left, zoom in for a closer look or zoom out to get your bearings. Click and drag the map to move around. For a larger view, see our Exeter Map or get our free Google Earth download.
Sources
- Personal visit (exterior only; July 21, 2007)
- St. Mary Steps Church - Exeter Memories
- The Rough Guide to England, 7th ed. (May 2006), 429.
- St. Mary Steps - GENUKI
