St James Chapel

St James' Jacobstowe

Welcome.

A warm welcome to St. James at Jacobstowe

Whether you’re new to the area or have lived here for generations, have never been to church, come regularly or have done in the past; a welcome awaits you here.

We worship God together every week, though please check the Parish Pump or website for details of times as these vary. Depending when you come, you may encounter a range of styles, from Prayer book, to Common worship, to Family style. Services are likely to be led by either the Vicar, Revd. Leigh Winsbury, or our long standing Licensed Lay minister, Canon Dr. Michael Winter.

We are celebrating Celtic worship here at Jacobstowe and will be holding a Celtic Praise service on 10th January 2024. More information will be provided nearer the date.

May God’s blessing and presence be with you, we hope to see you soon.

REV Leigh Winsbury

The Church of St James, Jacobstowe, is a Grade 2* listed building which has recently been re-ordered to allow its use by the community for non-secular purposes as well as the liturgical needs of the parish.

The church sits in a prominent position with lovely views over the River Okement valley which you can enjoy from the bench in the churchyard.

The church has visible evidence of its early 12th century origin in the Norman porch doorways, the font and possibly the stone altar to the right of the porch. Excavations of the nave during the reordering scheme in 2015 revealed late Saxon eastern and western wall footings. The latter, being apsidal in shape, caused much excitement within the archaeological community due to its rarity, and is considered to be pre-Conquest possibly even 8th century in origin.

The 17th and 18th century lead glazed and relief decorated north Devon tiles were moved from the aisle to the area around the font to protect them from further wear and were replaced by early 20th century reproductions. The attractive tiled floor of the chancel was laid when it was extended in 1903.

There are six early to late 19th century monuments, among which is one to Lady Ellen Astley1845 by John Ternouth, who was responsible for the Bronze relief panel at the base of Nelson's column. Another interesting memorial is to Colonel Sir Robert White-Thompson 1926, Lord of the Manor of Broomford, who built the new manor house in1878.

The beautiful ancient door in the arched Norman doorway is considered to be early C15. The other door of interest is the tower door, formerly the Western entrance to the church, which was adapted to fit when the tower was built in 15th century. Above the door are the armorial shields of the Strechleigh and Carey families which held the Manor of Broomford in 14th century and which were also originally above the west door of the church.

Visitors

The church is open daily from 9am to 4pm. There are information boards in the porch which tell the history of this little church and visitors are most welcome to keep a copy of the church guide

St Michael and All Angels

St Mary Blessed Virgin

Leigh Winsbury is currently vicar of five parishes in Mid Devon. He, with his wife Lynn, has a background in practical work, community living and all things rural.

He is passionate about communicating God’s plan for his church as an incarnational ambassador of people, connecting with the communities where we are placed.

All Saints' Okehampton Parish Church

Welcome to All Saints', Okehampton Parish Church. We are an affirming, inclusive congregation. Known locally as 'the church on the hill', a church building has stood on the hill above Okehampton for at least 1,000 years. People love to come and spend time here - the walk is definitely worth it, but there is also a decent car park here. Church services are usually 11am every Sunday, and are livestreamed. There is a children's soft play area and Sunday school available, but children are welcome to remain in the main congregation and we are happy to hear them joining in! We have a wheelchair accessible toilet, and ramped access into the church. All Saints' also has a hall, which is in the town (Market Street, next to Co-op Car Park) and we have Café Church there on the first Sunday of each month, and Brick Church at 4pm usually on the last Saturday of each month.

St. Petroc's Lydford

Lydford Church is dedicated to St Petroc, an itinerant Welsh monk who was preaching in the West Country in the 6th Century. The current building is thought to be situated where St Petroc sheltered during his stays in this area.n the ancient West Devonshire village of Lydford, St Petrock’s (sometimes pronounced ‘Petroc’) is a Norman church but is founded on an earlier settlement. A small timber church probably stood on the site, built about 650AD. It was dedicated in honour of St. Petroc, a 6th century Celtic missionary who came from Wales (via Ireland) and brought the Gospel to many parts of Devon and Cornwall. The timber church was probably burnt down by Danish raiders in 997. It was rebuilt in Norman times, enlarged in the 13th century, and in the 15th century the tower and the south aisle were added.

Notable features of the church include the Saxon or early Norman Font, made of Hurdwick stone, the pews with their fine carved bench-ends with figures representing the Prophets, Martyrs and Saints of the Holy Church, border ornamentation based on the Benedicite: ‘All the works of the Lord’, and portraying the flora and fauna of the West Country. The Watchmaker’s Tomb (now sited inside the church to prevent further damage from the elements) bears a unique epitaph describing George Routleigh as if he were a clock himself.

Safeguarding

The parish of Lydford is committed to the safeguarding of children, young people and adults. We follow the House of Bishops guidance and policies and have our own Parish Safeguarding Officer(s), PSOs. The Diocese of Exeter’s safeguarding pages contain vital links and information including contacts for the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor (DSA) who advise our PSOs. If you are concerned that a child or adult has been harmed or may be at risk of harm please contact the DSA. If you have immediate concerns about the safety of someone, please contact the police and your local authority Children or Adults Services.

St Petroc's Inwardleigh

Location, location, location! The views from our much-loved church of St Petroc are outstanding. We are a small and friendly congregation with close links with our close-knit community of Inwardleigh and Folly Gate. We are often joined by Oak Chapel for larger services and celebrations. Free refreshments after church with delicious home-baking (far better than you can buy in the shops!).

St Bridget's Bridestowe

All are welcome to this historic church in the heart of Bridestowe.

St Thomas a Becket

St Germanus' Germansweek

Welcome to St Germanus' Church.

St Mary's Belstone

We welcome Visitors and locals alike to our services, events, as well as to our beautiful Church which is open every day (give the door a good shove)

St Mary's Sticklepath

Welcome to this beautiful church in the heart of Sticklepath. We are open for visitors all day, and are also home to the community larder and warm space.

St Thomas of Canterbury

St Mary the Virgin, Bratton Clovelly

Welcome to the parish church of St Mary the Virgin, Bratton Clovelly. One thing to see while you visit? Our beautiful medieval wall paintings.

St James Chapel

Welcome.

St John the Baptist