1085 Launcells manor was mentioned in the Doomsday Book and so indicates a Norman church here at that time.
1199-1216 During the reign of King John, Matilda, widow of William of Lancells, granted woodland (Dub Wood), part of Launcells Manor, to Hugo, Abbot of Hartland, for the sum of the shillings.
1261- Hugo de Moltone was the first registered vicar. At this time the church was a cell of the Austin Cannons, dependant on the Augustinian Abby at Hartland.
1321- It was first dedicated to St Andrew but was rededicated in this year to St Swithins.
15th Century - The church was reconstructed, the south arcade in polyphant stone being earlier than the north arcade in granite. The north and south aisles have their original curved wagon roofs, complete with carved wall plates, purlins and bosses. There is a plain coved plaster roof over the nave. Against the north wall are some Georgian box pews, retained to show the type of seating at this period.
The stairway to the rood loft is to be seen in the North wall. The rood screen was either destroyed at the reformation, or in Cromwell's day. Portions of it still remain in parts of the church, notably a painted lily plant, possibly part of the Annunciation, at the back of the last bench in the south aisle. On the north wall is the magnificent sculptured Royal Coat of Arms of Charles II, and also Charles I's letter of thanks to his loyal Cornish subjects 1643, only part of which has been uncovered. The arms are the work of Michael Chuke of Kilkhampton.
The Chancel is paved with a unique collection of 1400 15th Century Barnstaple encaustic tiles, with raised figures of Griffins, Lions, Pelicans, conventional flowers etc. Many of these were found in the vaults when the flooring was replaced in 1932, and retain their original glaze.
The reredos is in polished marble, inscribed with the ten commandments and sentences from the communion service. It is of historical interest as it was the gift of the architect responsible for the building of the newer part of Lancells Barton.
The south east end of the church has been panelled with some excellent carved Jacobean work. Here is also the effigy in armour of Sir John Charmond with his children, and a coat of arms. He died in 1624. His arms are: Argent, a chevron between three flurs de lys, Gules.
The Bench ends in the church have 15th century carvings of many usual designs but it is wonderful to find such a large collection in one place.