Holy Trinity Church, Torbryan
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About this Church
Mighty medieval church deep in the countryside
The approach to this church, through typical narrow Devon lanes to an isolated and wooded valley, does not prepare you for a building of such size and grandeur.
The church is a perfect example of the Gothic Perpendicular style and was unusually constructed in one 20-year building campaign between 1450 and 1470. The superb, soaring tower rises in three stages, and has an octagonal stair turret which forms a dramatic architectural feature.
As you enter look up at the exquisite and rare fan-vaulted ceiling with four small angels supporting the central ribs of each fan.
Inside there is a beautifully carved altar screen that spans the width of the church, dividing the interior with its graceful arches. Below the screen are painted panels of 40 saints - they were once whitewashed, perhaps to save them from the puritanical zeal of the Reformation.
The delicacy of the wood carving is echoed by the elegant tracery of the windows, many of which contain Medieval stained glass. Parts of the original rood-screen were reused, probably in the early nineteenth century, to form the pulpit, while at the same time the original pulpit was reconstructed as the altar. The fifteenth-century oak benches survive but were enclosed in the eighteenth century to form box pews.
To make a donation to Holy Trinity Church, Torbryan, text 'TOR' to 70191 to donate £10. Thank you.
Access information
From lane across a level track to lych gate, then concrete path to the south porch with one step up to a flagstone porch floor. There is clear access to the south porch, but there are 4 steps down to nave floor.
Facilities & Hire
Torbryan church is available to hire for events and is a unique and beautiful venue.
Due to its historic nature the church has no heating, running water or toilet facilities so thought needs to be given for events longer than a couple of hours (e.g. portaloo hire). Torbryan Holy Trinity does have electricity and can seat 60+ people.
- Church Available for Hire
History & Further Information
Discover the stories of this historic site...
Although small, the hamlet of Torbryan holds a lot of secrets! Through the activities and displays in the church you can uncover the mysteries of the nearby cave system - with its prehistoric surprise - as well as the medieval history of the church.
Explore the area...
Discover the area - and other historic buildings - with the following 7 mile walk through the countryside surrounding Torbryan:
Historic Sites of Teingnbridge Guide Walk
Marvel at medieval art...
Holy Trinity is home to priceless medieval art, including an exquisite, 15th-century painted rood screen - with 40 panels depicting saints - and pulpit.
Conservation and Regeneration
Follow the story of the Torbryan Rood Screen Panels:
August 2013: Devastating theft from Holy Trinity Church, Torbryan in Devon
May 2015: Torbryan rood screen panels recovered by police
July 2015: Torbryan rood screen will rise again
June 2016 : Return of the Torbryan Two
February 2020: Remembering Eddie Sinclair, Torbryan panels hero
Volunteering Opportunities
We are currently looking for volunteers at Torbryan to help with research, interpretation and talks, fundraising and events organising.
If you are interested in helping please email the Local Community Officer on mleverett@thecct.org.uk
Directions
4 miles south west of Newton Abbot, off A381
Transport
Nearest railway station: Totnes (3.8 miles)
Community information
Click the link above to download a copy of the Church Plan which sets out the shared vision for the future of the church. This is a working document that will be updated on a regular basis. If you have any feedback or if you want to contact us about the church plan please drop us a line. When you write, please do give the name of the church, thank you!
Holy Trinity Church, Torbryan, is in our west region.
Useful local links:
- For details of upcoming events happening at the Church search on Facebook for the "Friends of Torbryan"
- Visit Devon
- Devon Family History Society
- Devon History Society
- Devon Historic Churches Trust
- List of churches in Devon
- Devon is in the Diocese of Exeter
