St Thomas of Canterbury

St Thomas of Canterbury Church stands at the heart of the village of Northlew in West Devon. It's been a place of worship, solace and celebration for centuries and we welcome visitors from near and far. Many feel a special bond – perhaps paying respects to relatives buried in the churchyard or remembering their own weddings and baptisms. 

It's likely there was a church on this spot at the time of the Domesday Book, but no trace of it remains today. It would have been much smaller, constructed of wattle and daub with a thatched roof and was probably on the site of the tower, with a similar footprint.

Several Norman features are still visible including the west doorway, the tower windows and the font. A major revamp and extension of the building took place in the 16th century, funded by local benefactors such as William Kelly. The barrel roof with carved ribs and bosses was added, along with over sixty carved oak bench ends and rows of angels looking down from the wall plates. The oldest bench end is dated 1537, although the original maker is unknown. 

Unfortunately, the building was neglected for over three hundred years when there were no resident priests, and it became very dilapidated. Following a determined effort to raise funds, a major restoration took place in the late 19th century under the direction of Harry Hems, a renowned ecclesiastical sculptor and carver from Exeter. The Tudor bench ends were repaired (and five new ones added), the barrel roof was restored and a new pulpit and lectern installed. 

The rebuilding of our imposing carved rood screen and loft which had been damaged during the Reformation took most of the 1920s. Above is the imposing figure of Christ on the cross with the figures of Mary Magdalene and John at his feet. Symbols relating to the story of the passion decorate the front of the loft.

And our weekly services are accompanied by a rare St Cecilia Scudamore pipe organ, made by Henry Willis and purchased in 1889. You are very welcome to join us.