Churchyard Stories at St Michael and All Angels, Princetown

Join local historians and volunteers at St Michael and All Angels Church in Princetown to hear the stories of some of the individuals buried in the churchyard. With its long association with the nearby Dartmoor Prison, there are fascinating tales such as the prisoner who was shot thirteen times whilst tryng to escape, a prisoner who was stabbed to death whilst watching a film in the prison and the sad tale of a Borstal Boy who died whilst trying to cool off in the nearby Blackabrook River. There are also burials and stories about those who worked at the prison, three soldiers who died whilst trying to reach the prison in a snow storm, a former chief officer and one of the prison governors.

This experience can be as an add on to the tour of the prisoner of war cemeteries at the rear of the prison (see separate listing to book for this event) or as a stand alone event.

Refreshments (tea, coffee and cake) will be available by donation inside the church.

The church of St Michael and All Angels sits on top of Dartmoor was built in 1812 by American and French prisoners of war when they were held captive at Dartmoor prison. Find out more about the lives of both the prisoners of war who were paid to help build the church and the convict prisoners who were held at Dartmoor prison and buried in the church cemetery later.

Please note that the tower will not be open for tours during this open afternoon.

Timings

Sunday 13 September:

14:00-16:00

Location & directions

St Michael & All Angels, Tavistock Road, Princetown, Devon, PL20 6RE

Contact on day:

Marie Leverett

Telephone number:

+447831873489

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking not required

Additional information

Parking available on the road. No toilets on site - visitor toilets in centre of Princetown 10 minutes walk away.

Estimated duration:

0 hour(s) 20 minute(s)

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