St Edmund King & Martyr

There is confirmed documentary and archeological evidence to show that there has been a church building on the current site since circa 1220 with a high probability of church occupancy of the site as far back as early 11th century (the Monks of Buckfast were granted advowson rights over the church in in 1018).

The ‘cruciform’ plan of the nave, aisles, central tower and chancel dates from the 13th and 14th century medieval building. The chancel aisles are 15th century. The parclose screens are probably 15th century, of northern French craftsmanship; however, the wood is dated as 10th century suggesting it was ‘recycled’ from some earlier construction. The remains of an elaborately carved rood screen were built into the pulpit and choir stalls.

The church was enlarged in 1849 by the construction of a large extension west of the south transept, known as the ‘south chapel’; as illustrated in a print kept in the church, the whole of the nave and aisles, including the ‘south chapel’ was furnished with box pews. There was a gallery in the south chapel. A large part of the internal walls were plastered in the 19th century, covering the fine original stone work.

The church has a large three manual pipe organ, circa 1880; originally this was sited in the south aisle but later relocated to the north transept. The tower houses a peel of eight bells. Internal items of interest include the 1907 large art nouveaux ‘sea’ window, a beautiful marble monument by Flaxman and early English font, 14th century.

The church is located in the heart of Kingsbridge on the main shopping street. It stands in a ‘closed for burials’ grave yard, half of which has been cleared of surface grave stones (mid 1960’s) and which now provides a grassed picnic area and quiet space in the centre of the town; with its far reaching views across the surrounding countryside it has become a popular space for locals and visitors alike. A large part of the garden is ‘managed wild’ providing habitat for insects, small vertebrates, birds and native plants.