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Churches

Widecombe Church

Known as the 'Cathedral of the Moor', it dominates the tiny village of Widecombe-in-the-Moor. The church is actually the Church of St Pancras and was built in the fourteenth century and its impressive tower stands 36m (120ft) high. There is a tragic tale associated with the church when in 1638 a thunderstorm took place during a service. A bolt of lightening struck the tower and part of it fell into the church killing four of the congregation and injuring many others. There is a board in the church which gives an account of this event. The church tower was restored and this rare occurrence has not happened since.

Chagford Church

This church is dedicated to St Michael the Archangel and was originally built in the early thirteenth century, with a complete rebuild in the fifteenth century and a nineteenth century restoration. The church features some finely carved roof bosses including three joined rabbits or hares, which was adopted by Dartmoor tinners. The sanctuary also has an inscription dedicated to Mary Whiddon who, in 1641, was shot and killed on the church steps after her marriage. Her death is thought to have been the inspiration behind RD Blackmore's 'Lorna Doone.'

South Tawton Church

The Oxenham family, who lived in the local manor house have many plaques dedicated to them in this church. St Andrews Church is at the edge of the village of South Tawton and also has a monument to 'Warrior Wykes', the sixteenth century local legend. Next to the church is the late medieval Church House. Church Houses were used for brewing, baking and holding parish events.

Sampford Courtenay Church

Sampford Courtenay was the seat of the Prayer book Rebellion in 1549. A plaque commemorates William Helyons, who was killed on the steps of the church house. In St Andrews church nearby, a history of the rebellion is displayed.

Brentor Church

This unique 12th century church is built high on a volcanic outcrop and dominates the surrounding countryside. The church is dedicated to St. Michael de Rupe. There is also a legend about its construction, which concerns the Devil moving the stones from the bottom of the tor to the top, hoping that the walk would deter churchgoers.

Bovey Tracey Church

It was rumoured that this church was built by William de Tracey as penance for his part in the killing of St. Thomas a'Beckett and it is unusually dedicated to three saints: St. Peter, St. Paul and St. Thomas of Canterbury. The present church is mainly fourteenth and fifteenth century.