Holy Trinity Church, Torbryan, Devon

Address:
Torbryan Hill, Newton Abbot, Devon, TQ12 5UR
How to find us | Access information
Opening times:
Open daily
  • Although an earlier church stood on the site, the present building is almost entirely from the mid-15th century - an outstanding example of a Devonshire church of this period, reflecting the beauty of the Perpendicular style of architecture. © Diana Neale LRPS
  • The church dominates the few surrounding houses of its little community, nestled amongst the trees of a sleepy Devon valley, beside the 16th century Church House Inn, which is still trading. © Diana Neale LRPS

  • The vast majority of the rood screen's 44 painted panels survive and even its three pairs of entrance gates intact. Sadly three panels were stolen in 2003. Thankfull, another two stolen in 2013 were recovered by the police.

  • The absence of a chancel arch is compensated by one of the county’s special glories – the splendid rood screen, spanning the entire width of the church from wall to wall, original in its structure and design and dating from c.1470–80. © Diana Neale LRPS
  • At one time this wonderful piece of mediaeval woodcarving was surmounted by a rood loft, supported on wooden vaults and jutting out above it.
  • The fabric is constructed of rendered carboniferous limestone rubble from a nearby quarry, cream-coloured chalk-rock stone from Beer and red sandstone caps to the battlements crowning the aisles. © Diana Neale LRPS
  • The figures in the south chancel window probably depict the Four Latin Doctors of the Church – St Gregory, St Jerome, St Augustine and St Ambrose. © Diana Neale LRPS
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Mighty medieval church deep in the countryside

The approach to this church, through typical narrow Devon lanes to an isolated and wooded valley, does not prepare you for a building of such size and grandeur.

The church is a perfect example of the Gothic Perpendicular style and was unusually constructed in one 20-year building campaign between 1450 and 1470. The superb, soaring tower rises in three stages, and has an octagonal stair turret which forms a dramatic architectural feature.

As you enter look up at the exquisite and rare fan-vaulted ceiling with four small angels supporting the central ribs of each fan.

Inside there is a beautifully carved altar screen that spans the width of the church, dividing the interior with its graceful arches. Below the screen are painted panels of 40 saints - they were once whitewashed, perhaps to save them from the puritanical zeal of the Reformation.

The delicacy of the wood carving is echoed by the elegant tracery of the windows, many of which contain Medieval stained glass. Parts of the original rood-screen were reused, probably in the early nineteenth century, to form the pulpit, while at the same time the original pulpit was reconstructed as the altar. The fifteenth-century oak benches survive but were enclosed in the eighteenth century to form box pews.

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  • Access information
    From lane across a level track to lych gate, then concrete path to the south porch with one step up to a flagstone porch floor. There is clear access to the south porch, but there are 4 steps down to nave floor.
  • Facilities & Hire
    Due to the historic nature of our buildings, only a very small number of them have heating, running water or toilet facilities. The lighting is usually operated via a 'push button' timer or a motion sensor. 
  • Directions
    4 miles south west of Newton Abbot, off A381
  • Transport
    Nearest railway station: Totnes (3.8 miles)
  • History & Further Information

    Discover the stories of this historic site...

    Although small, the hamlet of Torbryan holds a lot of secrets! Through the activities and displays in the church you can uncover the mysteries of the nearby cave system - with its prehistoric surprise - as well as the medieval history of the church.

    Explore the area...

    Discover the area - and other historic buildings - with this 11km walk through the countryside surrounding Torbryan.

    Marvel at medieval art...

    Holy Trinity is home to priceless medieval art, including an exquisite, 15th-century painted rood screen - with 40 panels depicting saints - and pulpit.

     

  • Community information

    Holy Trinity Church, Torbryan, is in our west region.

    Useful local links:

    • The Old Church House Inn (right) stands opposite the church, selling food and ales just as it has for more than 450 years.
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