Stoke Damerel Parish Church (Mother church of Devonport)
Paradise Road, Plymouth, Devon, PL1 5QL
A church has existed on this site in excess of a thousand years. Most of the Grade II* building dates from the 18th. century, although the northern portion including the tower, north porch and two granite arches remain from the 15th. century. Known Rectors date back to 1310. The building is unusual in being greater in width than in length. In addition to ledger stones set into the stone floor, there are many wall mounted memorials dedicated to those who have worshipped here over the centuries, including numerous military men. The Georgian windows are glazed in clear glass. Four gothic style stained-glass windows date from the early 20th. century. The 1923 chancel window, by Clayton & Bell is to Elizabeth Cawthra, who married a very wealthy Canadian. Re-ordering has allowed the building to have many uses. The carved portions of 1930's J.B. Hunt pews have been saved and fixed to the walls, including the ornate Lord Mayor's frontal. We are proud to have a number of carved items by the much lauded Violet Pinwill. The 1836 organ, re-located by Hele & Co. in 1873 recently had a major overhaul and is now in pristine condition. Amongst those who were baptised here in the past are Scott of the Antarctic and Rev. Robert Hawker, composer of 'Trelawney', the Cornish 'National Anthem'. Other worshippers included Tobias Furneaux, the first to sail around the world in both directions and Dr. Richard Dunning who gave the word 'Vaccination' to the world. Plymouth's first bishop was based here
Timings & Tours
- Saturday 07 September:
- 10.00am to 4.00pm
Location & directions
Paradise Road, Plymouth, Devon, PL1 5QL
- Directions:
- Stoke Damerel parish church is located opposite to Devonport High School for Boys
- Contact on day:
- Tony Barnard
- Telephone number:
- +447712914967
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking not required
Accessibility details
The main entrance to the church, via the south porch on Paradise Road, has a flight of steps. Level wheelchair access is via the north porch, or the adjacent parish centre, both approached from the sloping 'Bridal Path' through the churchyard at the rear of the building. Internally, apart from vestries, chancel, and high altar, the remainder of the church, as well as the parish centre, has level access. The large surrounding churchyard has been laid out as a park by the Local Authority and has sloped and stepped areas. Care needs to be taken when wet as some paths can be very slippery.
Additional information
The churchyard has many interesting tombstones, against boundary walls or laid as paths (which can be extremely slippery when wet) and is now under the control of the local authority. Some tombstones may not be accessible due to undergrowth. There are also varying levels, slopes, and stepped areas, to be negotiated with care when walking around the churchyard. Some, but not many areas, can be accessed by wheelchair users. All should be aware that there is an area of unstable wall east of the parish centre which may not have been stabilised by the local authority at the time of the Open Day.
