A STUNNING photographic print of an intriguing medieval detail hidden high up in St Andrew’s Church roof in North Tawton, has been bought by the church community, thanks to a £1,650 crowdfunding scheme.

Parishioners Jerry Stephens and Charlie ‘Tich’ Scott launched the fundraising bid and were at the unveiling of Chris Chapman’s unique composite photo of the ancient roof bosses on the rafters of St Andrew’s.

The artwork includes images of wooden bosses carved with three hares, a motif that’s created speculation over its symbolism and origins. At least 17 churches across Devon are known to have similar motifs in their woodwork or masonry.

Historians Sue Andrews and Tom Greeves, who have explored and written a book about the Three Hares’ meaning and ancient origins, were also at the artwork’s unveiling.

During the event, Chris Chapman presented a cheque for £750 – half the artwork’s cost – back to St Andrew’s, to help install special lighting to help vistiors better view the medieval bossess in situ.