List of churches in West Devon facts for kids
West Devon is a lovely area in England, known for its beautiful countryside and charming towns. Like many places, it has a rich history, and part of that history includes many churches. Churches are special buildings where people gather for religious services, community events, and sometimes just to enjoy the quiet and peaceful atmosphere. This article will tell you about some of the churches you can find in West Devon.
Churches in West Devon
Active Churches
West Devon is home to many active churches, which means they are still used regularly for services and community activities. There are about 99 active churches in the area. This works out to roughly one church for every 552 people! Most towns and villages in West Devon have at least one active church. However, a few places, like Bradstone, Okehampton Hamlets, and Whitchurch, do not currently have active churches.
These churches belong to different Christian groups. Many are part of the Church of England, which is the main Christian church in England. You'll also find many Methodist churches, as well as Roman Catholic churches and others from different Christian traditions, like Baptist or United Reformed churches. Some are also independent churches, meaning they don't belong to a larger group.
Churches are often named after important figures in Christian history, like Saint Mary, Saint Andrew, Saint Peter, or Saint Michael. Some are named after ideas like the Trinity or the Holy Cross. Many of these churches have been around for hundreds of years, with some dating back to medieval times! Others are more modern, built in the last couple of centuries.
For example, in Tavistock, a larger town in West Devon, you can find St Eustachius Church (Church of England), Our Lady of the Assumption (Roman Catholic), and the Tavistock Methodist Church. These different churches show the variety of Christian faiths practiced in the area.
Churches No Longer in Use
Sometimes, churches stop being used for regular services. When this happens, they are called "defunct" or "redundant." This doesn't mean they are forgotten; often, they are looked after by special trusts or used for other purposes.
One example is St Nonna's Church in Bradstone. This medieval church is no longer used for daily services but is cared for by the Churches Conservation Trust. This trust helps to protect important old churches that are no longer needed for worship.
Another example is St Mary Magdalene in Tavistock. This church was built in the 1860s but stopped being used by the Church of England in 1948. Interestingly, the building was later taken over by the Catholic Church and is now used as Our Lady of the Assumption. So, while it's no longer an Anglican church, the building itself is still a place of worship.
