Holy Trinity
Ilfracombe, Devon
Holy Trinity has been a centre of worship, refuge and comfort for over a thousand years.
Built in 1856, St Philip & St James is a tall and imposing building. The church was designed by John Hayward, a well known architect of regional renown in the Early English style, with slated roofs, limestone parapets and dressings and snecked local rubble, with a short stone tower and tall pyramidal spire.
Come and look around inside. The magnificent west window depicts the four Gospel writers with their representative symbols underneath. The pillars in the nave have intricate pomegranate and grapevine motifs. Look above you for a number of fascinating stone heads. Above the delicately carved wooden reredos, the wonderful east window depicts scenes from the life of Jesus.
Today’s visitors are encouraged to linger and enjoy our Victorian heritage building, perhaps relaxing on one of the sofas at the back of the church, or on a bench in the church garden.