St Peter's Church Ugborough

The Grade I listed building is a large 13th century church known as the ‘Cathedral of the South Hams’.

By 1300, a sizeable church stood on the present site, although little of this survives. The north and south arcades of the nave probably represent the exterior walls of this church, so it was smaller than the current building.

In the early 14th century, the church was rebuilt and enlarged in the Decorated Gothic style. Outside the main door is a holy water stoop of this period, for people to use to bless themselves with, when entering the church.

In the early 16th century the tower was rebuilt to be much larger and grander than the medieval tower. At about this time the large porch over the main north door was built, with a parvis room above it. This was used for storage, meetings and possibly accommodation.

In 1872, the tower was struck by lightning. Some years before, the parish council had decided not to install a lightening conductor, so the strike did extensive damage. The roof, masonry, clock bell and several windows were broken by the shock of the strike.

Ongoing works are now planned to improve wall plaster and to install a proper heating system. Thus, we continue a 900-year-old tradition of repairs to Ugborough church!