It probably replaced a ritual tree of the pagan Saxons, perhaps even the Celts and the village is, almost certainly named after it. The adjoining church was erected on the site of a previous building in 1261, though much of the present building is 14th century. Note the medieval statue of Madonna and Child on the tower which escaped destruction at the Reformation. Within this petite church, the visitor is immediately drawn to the striking rood screen. A fine example of a 15th century fan-vaulted Devonshire screen, it sparkles golden in the sunshine.
Every attribute tells a story.
Note St. Sidwell with the scythe that removed her head and St. Joseph of Arimathea with the two cruets containing Christ's blood and sweat. In days gone by, Plymtree was a stop-off point for pilgrims travelling to Glastonbury from the Devon ports. St. Joseph's image must therefore have been a welcome addition to the church. An old story tells how the screen may not have arrived here until after the Reformation, having been removed from Dunkerswell Abbey during the Dissolution of the Monasteries. However, modern opinion tends to dismiss this idea.