Guided tour of the Church of St Michael & All Angels (Saturday), Princetown

Church of St Michael & All Angels, Princetown, Devon
Date:
18th September 2021
Time:
14:30
Price:
Free - donations welcomed
Address:
Princetown
View map

Join this free tour to learn about the unique history of the only church in England built by prisoners of war.


Standing over 1400 feet above sea level with its tower often hidden in mist, the Church of St Michael & All Angels is one of the highest churches in England. Although only 200+ years old it has a special place in history as being the only church in England built by prisoners of war. Visitors will be welcomed and given a brief history of the church, its importance to French and American citizens, and its role in the local Princetown community. They will see the magnificent stained glass window presented to the church by the Daughters of 1812. They will hear about a fight between prisoners, the catastrophic fire of 1868 and the rebuilding work of 1897 – 1908. See the Jacobean pulpit and the memorial to the founder of the Prison and Princetown Sir Thomas Tyrwhitt.

See the churchyard with graves to the only Governor of the Prison to die in office, the Prison Doctor who was reportedly fatally wounded in a road traffic accident by “the hairy hands”, and also the burial ground of 3 brave soldiers.

The churchyard contains the remains of 708 prisoners. Visit and hear the stories of some of the prisoners buried after 1900.

This tour, run as part of Heritage Open Days, will run four times, at each of the following dates and times. The tour is free, but as spaces are limited pre-booking is required:

Saturday 11 September, 10:30 & 14:30: To book in for one of these tours contact [email protected] with details of which tour you would like to attend.

Sunday 12 September, 10:30: To book in for this tour contact [email protected] 

Saturday 18 September, 14:30: To book in for this tour please visit www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/tour-of-the-church-of-st-michael-all-angels-princetown-tickets-165431226251?aff=ebdssbdestsearch Eventbrite booking is only available for this tour on Saturday 18 September. 

If, after booking, you are no longer able to attend this event please cancel your booking to enable others to use your space.

 

Contact:
Helen Booker

View on map