ELWORTHY CHURCH
Churches Conservation Trust, former parish church of St Martin
Elworthy was mentioned in the Domesday Book as Elwrde, meaning the 'old village.' Tucked into the hillside above the road, the present church dates from the 13th century. Of this period is a lancet window and a sturdy tower, complete with battlements and an unusual outside stairway. The stained glass in the lancet window depicting figures of saints is thought to have come from Barlynch Priory at the Dissolution of priories in 1537. The interior of the church is quite small, with nave, chancel and small south transept housing the organ.
Inside, mediaeval and Jacobean woodwork was delicately restored in the 19th century, including an early 16th century screen across the chancel arch with an inscription dated 1632: ‘O Lord Prepare Our Arts to Praye’. The 19th century font is made from alabster from the cliffs at Watchet and is similar to one at Williton. Outside in the churchyard is a large, spreading ancient yew tree. It has uprooted some graves and in 1708 the minister died whilst conducting a burial under the tree.
The living was united with that at Monksilver in 1923. Since then the tiny population of Elworthy has not been able to provide a large enough congregation to make regular services worthwhile and the church at Monksilver serves the needs of the parish.