St David's Church, Exeter facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St David's Church, Exeter |
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St David's Church, Exeter
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| 50°43′39″N 3°32′18″W / 50.72750°N 3.53833°W | |
| Location | Exeter |
| Country | England |
| Denomination | Church of England |
| Website | stdavidschurchexeter.org.uk |
| History | |
| Dedication | St David |
| Architecture | |
| Heritage designation | Grade I listed |
| Architect(s) | W. D. Caröe |
| Groundbreaking | 1897 |
| Completed | 1900 |
| Administration | |
| Parish | Exeter St David's with St Michael and All Angels |
| Deanery | Christianity |
| Archdeaconry | Exeter |
| Diocese | Exeter |
| Province | Canterbury |
St David's Church in Exeter, Devon, is a very old and important church. It is so special that it is a Grade I listed building. This means it is protected because of its history and amazing design.
A Look Back: History of St David's Church
There has been a church on this spot for a very long time, even since the late Anglo-Saxon period. That was many hundreds of years ago! The church building you see today was designed by a famous architect named W. D. Caröe. It was finished in the year 1900.
A writer named John Betjeman once said it was "the finest example of Victorian church architecture in the south west." This means he thought it was the most beautiful Victorian-style church in that whole area. Before this church, there was an older one built in 1816. It was built in a style called "Greek Doric," but it was taken down and rebuilt around the year 1900 to make way for the current church.
A brave soldier named Alexander Cavalié Mercer, who was a hero in the Battle of Waterloo, is buried in the churchyard of St David's Church.
The Church Organ
The first organ in St David's Church was put in place in 1817. It was made by William Thomas. The biggest pipe in that organ was 12 feet long and 7 inches wide! That's as tall as a small tree. This organ was later moved to another church in Sidmouth.
The organ that is in the church today was installed in 1902. It was made by a company called Hele and Co. If you are interested in organs, you can find more details about this one on the National Pipe Organ Register.
More Information
- Official website: http://www.stdavidschurchexeter.org.uk/
