St Mary Steps Church

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St Mary Steps Church

St Mary Steps Church
St. Mary Steps Church, located in West Street dates back to the 12th Century, and was rebuilt in the 15th Century. It is a red sandstone construction. The original Norman font can still be seen inside. The Matthew the Miller Clock, is located on the South face of the 4-bell tower, and can be seen in the photographs here. It dates to around 1620, and it is interesting to see the figures strike each hour. The seated figure holds a gilded sceptre and wears a helmet. The head nods, and the arms move at each strike of the hour. The two other figures, made of lead are holding hammers that strike the bells, each having a different tone. The figures are thought to have been modelled on Henry the Eighth (seated figure), and two guards, but in fact was named after a local miller who lived his life like clockwork that people who knew him, used him as a human clock!

This is one of the most interesting parts of historic Exeter, with the House that Moved , Tudor Houses of West Street, the 100 Step Stepcote Hill, and the remains of St.Edmunds Church & Medieval Bridge within a few minutes away.