St Thomas Church Exeter

The present site of the Church dates from 1412, moved from a site nearer the River Exe because of constant flooding.

During the Reformation period, the New Prayer Book with its many changes was adopted. When Devon and Cornwall rose up in 1549 to restore the old Latin services, Robert Welshe, the Vicar, joined the rebels and according to John Hooker was, 'the arch captain and principal doer, an active director of the rebellion.' He was also instrumental in the condemnation of one of Lord Russell's messengers, Kingwell, who was hanged by the rebels on Exe Island. Welshe was arrested as a leader and was hanged suspended by a rope around his waist from a gibbet on the top of the church tower.

When the Civil War broke out in 1642 Exeter declared for Parliament. The Royalists fortified buildings in Cowick Street, including the church, which was burnt down on the 30th January 1645 although whether by the Royalists to prevent its use by Fairfax or by accident is not clear. It was rebuilt in 1657

What makes St Thomas unique, history and heritage apart, is the late Georgian and early Victorian building campaigns. The work begun in 1827 at the East end means that the light spaciousness of the chancel contrasts with the low, long nave and aisles as might be expected from the external appearance of a building in the gothic style.
St Thomas is therefore an important precursor of the type work of what would become mainstream, during the Victorian Gothic Revival.

Timings & Tours

Saturday 07 September:

1100-1500

Saturday 14 September:

1100-1500

Location & directions

54 Cowick Street, Exeter, Devon, EX4 1AP

Directions:

St Thomas Church is situated about halfway up Cowick Street between the shopping precinct and Tesco's, both on the other side of the road.

Contact on day:

David Nixon

Telephone number:

+441392667192

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking not required

Accessibility details

Toilets may be available in the adjacent Church Hall while groups are there.

Additional information

The Church is normally open between about 10 and 3 on weekdays. These Saturday openings are uniquely for the Heritage Open Days.

Max no of people per tour:

10

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