Ayshford Chapel

Ayshford Chapel is a private chapel dating back to the 15th century, with renovations undertaken in the mid to late 19th century. It is situated in Ayshford, near Burlescombe, Devon. Constructed of local chert stone rubble with Beerstone detailing, the chapel has a slate roof. The design is that of a rectangular, aisleless block featuring diagonal corner buttresses, incorporating a nave and chancel under a continuous roof, topped with a small open bellcote at the west end. It is notably large for a private chapel in Devon.

The exterior windows, while restored, retain their Perpendicular tracery and plain hoodmolds. There are three two-light windows on each side and a three-light window at each end. Two doorways, both with two-centred arches, moulded surrounds, and 19th-century hoodmoulds, provide access – one in the west end and another on the south side. Both doorways are fitted with heavy studded oak doors and massive strap hinges. Original moulded oak wall plates run along the wall plates. Shaped kneelers and coping adorn each gable end, with a small apex cross on the east gable and a small open bellcote on the west.

Inside, the 15th-century wagon roof, now open to reveal the structure, features moulded purlins, ribs, a wall plate, and oak bosses carved with four-leaf motifs. A 15th-century carved oak chancel screen, featuring panelled wainscotting with applied blind arcading and square-headed windows with slender Perpendicular tracery, is also present. The screen was painted in the 19th century. Throughout the chapel, the furniture is primarily from the 19th century. The floor is laid with 19th-century red and black tiles, and the sanctuary contains the gravestone of Sir Henry Ashford, though the date of his death has been lost.

Two notable 17th-century monuments are situated within the chapel: a black marble chest tomb commemorating Henry Ashford (died 1666), bearing a coat of arms and inscribed text on its flat lid and sides; and a marble mural monument on the north wall dedicated to John Ashford (died 1689), featuring Corinthian columns supporting a moulded entablature with the Ashford arms and flaming urns, supported by consoles carved as cherub heads, with a carved apron depicting swags, cherubs, and the Ashford arms. Additional Ashford memorials can be found in the Ashford Chapel within the Church of St Mary, Burlescombe. The chapel forms a visually pleasing group with other structures associated with Ayshford Court.