Discover St Martins and its Island
St Martin's Church, Cathedral Close, Exeter, Devon, EX1 1EZ
This Heritage Open Days we'll be looking at ancient St Martin's Church and its city centre parish of apothecary shops and booksellers, named St Martin's Island. Volunteers will be on hand to tell you the fascinating history of this church and its parish and there will be temporary displays.
St Martin's is one of the oldest buildings in the city, consecrated a year before the Norman Conquest. It is the most important and complete church in the centre of Exeter, having escaped both Victorian refurnishing and the Second World War bombing that severely damaged many other Exeter churches.
Look out for the communion rails with their closely set balusters designed, according to a seventeenth-century order from the Archbishop of Canterbury, to keep parishioners' dogs from reaching the altar! Admire the box pews, Charles I Coat of Arms and check out the gallery with the arms of the city and of Bishop Trelawny, a local hero in Cornwall, who was imprisoned for libel by James II. There are also several magnificent monuments in the church including one of Philip Hooper (a benefactor who donated the reredos) splendidly bewigged, he kneels at a prayer desk with a skull and pile of books.
Just drop in during one of the open days on the 15th, 17th and 21st September - all welcome.
Inside this historic building there are uneven floors and steps.
Timings & Tours
- Monday 15 September:
- 1030-1600
- Wednesday 17 September:
- 1300-1600
- Sunday 21 September:
- 1300-1600
Location & directions
St Martin's Church, Cathedral Close, Exeter, Devon, EX1 1EZ
- Directions:
- This tiny church is located on the north of Cathedral Green, next door to Drakes Coffee House and near Hotel Indigo and Eat on the Green.
- Contact on day:
- Marie Leverett
- Telephone number:
- +447831873489
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking not required
Accessibility details
Approached from a paved pedestrian area around the Cathedral Green, via a level entrance to the west door. The west door is 98 cms wide. No steps to the chancel and then two carpeted steps to the altar platform.
