St Leonard
Halwell, Devon
The ancient settlement of Halwell is mentioned in the Domesday Book as Hagewile, a name derived from the ‘Holy Well’ which is still to be found in the churchyard. It is possible the well was in use in Celtic times.
The church is open and welcoming when you enter and often there are visitors from all over calling in to explore the ancient site or to sit in peace. The bells are rung each month on a Sunday morning to invite people to come and join us at our popular informal Breakfast Service.
The church was built in 1239, as a penance, by the landowner at Woodleigh, who had killed the parish priest. This gentleman is now buried half in and half out of the church in the south transept. This is the reason for the church not being in the actual village of Moreleigh, as it was built in his farm yards away from the village. The bells are unusual, as they were cast in Exeter. There are only three, but it is thought that once there were six.
The churchyard with some interesting tombstones is mowed regularly, but maintained by parishioners. Volunteers also provide and arrange church flowers and keep the building clean. Services are held at All Saints once every two weeks being shared with the congregation of Halwell church, where the alternate weekly services are held.
Our monthly Breakfast Church has proved to be very popular, take a look to discover when the next one is and come along, everyone welcome.