Hayman, ‘Methodism in North Devon’ (1898)

(pp99) Among the places in which preaching was regularly established were the villages of Landkey and Swymbridge. In these parishes, the presentation to which is vested in the Dean and Chapter of Exeter, the tithes had fallen into the hands of a lay impropriator, and “ duty ” of both churches was at that time performed by one nonresident curate of no religious power and of indifferent character. But “ like people like priest,” — this state of things suited the prevailing taste of the times. Fighting, (pp100) wrestling, drunkenness, cock-fighting, were the ordinary avocations of the Sabbath-day, and on the annual “ Revel Sunday,” close to the doors of the sanctuary, various stalls would be erected, and scenes of drunkenness continued through the night and carried far into the following week. On the Sunday previous to the wrestling match, the prize — generally a hat trimmed with ribbons, and stuck round with spoons — would be introduced into the church. A man, appointed for the purpose, would march from the publichouse, after the service had commenced, and wearing the hat through the aisles would hang it up in front of the gallery to be seen by the congregation when they rose to sing “to the praise and glory of God.”