Puritan's Pit facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Puritan's Pit |
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| Preacher's Pit, The Devil's Pit, Gruti's Pit | |
Part of Puritan's Pit
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 Location in Devon
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| Location | Newton Abbot |
| Coordinates | 50°31′35.8″N 3°37′55.2″W / 50.526611°N 3.632000°W |
| Geology | Limestone |
Puritan's Pit is a large, deep hole in the ground. It is also known as Preacher's Pit, The Devil's Pit, or Gruti's Pit. You can find it in Bradley Woods, west of Newton Abbot in Devon, England.
This pit is on the south side of the valley of the River Lemon. It is likely a collapsed cave made of limestone. The pit is about 12 meters (40 feet) deep. It is also around 50 meters (164 feet) wide at its widest point. Even though it's so big, it's hidden from the river and the main path nearby.
The Story of Puritan's Pit
Puritan's Pit is famous because of a man named William Yeo. He was a Presbyterian minister. In 1648, Oliver Cromwell appointed him as the minister for Wolborough.
William Yeo was very dedicated to his work. He would walk around town after Sunday church services. He even brought a constable with him. This was to make sure everyone was keeping Sunday holy.
A Time of Change
After 14 years, William Yeo lost his job. This happened because he refused to accept a new law. This law was called the Act of Uniformity 1662. It was passed after the king returned to power.
This law made it difficult for ministers like Yeo. They had to follow strict new rules. If they did not, they could not preach in official churches.
Secret Meetings in the Pit
After losing his job, William Yeo and his followers still wanted to worship. They started meeting secretly at night. Their meeting place was Puritan's Pit.
At this time, William Yeo was considered an "outlaw." This meant he was breaking the law by preaching. In 1683, a reward of 40 shillings was offered. This reward was for anyone who caught a minister like Yeo.
Freedom to Worship
The secret meetings ended in 1689. A new law, the Act of Toleration 1689, was passed. This law allowed people to worship freely. It meant William Yeo's house could be used as a church.
Today, you can reach the pit by a steep path. This path is on the south side of the river. The bottom of the pit is full of large limestone rocks. You can also see parts of trees that have fallen in.
