The Church of St. Peter ad Vincula, Combe Martin, North Devon.
The Parish Church of Combe Martin is one of the most striking objects in the neighborhood. Its tower forms a trio with those of Hartland and Berrynarbor. All these towers resemble each other, and have been planned by the same architect.
The Manor of Combe Martin, as well as those of Martinhoe, Marwood, and Raddon in South Devon, was given by William the conqueror to Martin of Tours, and it was after him that the village was named. Its former name was Marhuscombe. Martin received his barony in 1800; he was succeeded by his son, Robert, and the possessions in Combe Martin, Martinhoe, and other places were confirmed to him in the reign of Henry I. It is possible that this Robert was the first founder of Combe Martin church, though it was completed at a later period. Probably some church existed before the present one, but many have been of cob or wood, as was common in Saxon days.
The actual date of the foundation of the church is uncertain, but the chancel, the south transept, and parts of the nave are the oldest portions. The age of these can be determined approximately from the lancet window, which are early English-a style only employed from 1190 to about 1230.
This is abit of information from a booklet we have from within the church, called 'A Short Guide' it costs £1.50.
The Manor of Combe Martin, as well as those of Martinhoe, Marwood, and Raddon in South Devon, was given by William the conqueror to Martin of Tours, and it was after him that the village was named. Its former name was Marhuscombe. Martin received his barony in 1800; he was succeeded by his son, Robert, and the possessions in Combe Martin, Martinhoe, and other places were confirmed to him in the reign of Henry I. It is possible that this Robert was the first founder of Combe Martin church, though it was completed at a later period. Probably some church existed before the present one, but many have been of cob or wood, as was common in Saxon days.
The actual date of the foundation of the church is uncertain, but the chancel, the south transept, and parts of the nave are the oldest portions. The age of these can be determined approximately from the lancet window, which are early English-a style only employed from 1190 to about 1230.
This is abit of information from a booklet we have from within the church, called 'A Short Guide' it costs £1.50.