Friends of St Mary’s Church
An Invitation to join The Friends of St Mary’s Church
This organisation was formed in 2025 and will be run by an Executive Committee elected at the Annual General Meeting. The purpose of The Friends is to assist in maintaining the fabric, fittings, ornaments, furniture and monuments in the Church.
Monies allocated for these purposes are normally authorised by a two-thirds majority at the Annual General Meeting. Date: to be advised.
A Brief History of St Mary’s Church
St. Mary’s Church in Morchard Bishop is a historic parish church with origins dating back to the medieval period. It stands as a key landmark in the village. The present structure, predominantly built in the 15th century, reflects the Perpendicular Gothic architectural style typical of that era. There are also elements of earlier construction.
There has probably been a building for worship on this site since Saxon times and services have been held here since 1207; the first recorded Rector being Nicolas, installed in 1258 under Bishop Branscombe’s patronage. During the 14th Century, the episcopal register states “certain commonfolk, with great daring and evil intent were causing trouble in Morchard and elsewhere” – probably due to poverty and low moral attitudes.
In 1451 Bishop Lacy offered “forty daye indulgence”, to all those who contributed to the rebuilding and furnishing of the church. The present structure dates from the 15th Century with major alterations and rebuilding in the 18th and 19th Centuries.
Friends of St Mary’s Morchard Bishop
A Candlelit Guitar Recital
by David Cottam
will be held in the Church at 6:00pm,
on
Saturday 20th December 2025
An Hour of Wintry Music
from around the World
followed by Mulled Wine & Refreshments
Entry £5 on the Door for Non Members
Free to Members of
Friends of St Mary’s Church
The Church Tower and Bells
The magnificent tower stands 95 feet high with a stair turret in the NE corner leading to the roof. The door leading into the stone stairs at the bottom of the tower is the original 15th Century oak and has seen a few centuries of service.
In 1952 a meteorite struck the tower, causing much damage to the masonry. The event was widely reported both locally and nationally and the church has fragments of the meteorite on display, along with the newspaper reports of the day and lists of donors who paid for the tower repair. The tower has 6 bells, the largest being the Tenor weighing 15cwt, cast by Mears and Stainbank in the Whitechapel Foundry in 1724. The peal is rung regularly, using Devon Change Ringing; and the team competes in the Cadbury Deanery league.
It is important to continue the work of Parishioners over the centuries to provide a fitting place for the worship of God and to carry on his work at the heart of the community.