All Saints
Moreleigh, Devon
All Saints Moreleigh is a small church, described by visitors as having a quiet peaceful, prayerful atmosphere.
The parish contains the earthwork enclosures of the two hillforts of Stanborough Camp and Halwell Camp. Stanborough Camp , possibly dating from the Iron Age, was the meeting place for the Stanborough Hundred. Due to its elevated position there were good views of part of the South Devon coast making it a good defensive position and giving early warning of any invasion.
It was important in the 10th. century as one of the burhs of Devon but by the 11th. century it had lost this position to Totnes with the building of Totnes Castle on the orders of the Normans following the conquest of the area.
The parish church is dedicated to St Leonard. The exact date of the church is unknown but parts are possibly from the late 15th century. The tower is of slate. The rest of the church contains a lot of granite. Especially noteworthy is the arcade between the nave and the north aisle of granite piers and semicircular arches .The box pews probably date from the early 19th century.
