Christ Church

Getting here

Welcome to the parish of Parracombe on the edge of Exmoor

It is thought there has been a Christian presence in Parracombe since about A. D. 520 when the Celtic Saint Petrock is reputed to have visited the area. The small church of St Petrock stands at the edge of the village and was built late in the 11th century by William of Falaise, a relative of William the Conqueror. See here for news of a musical and poetry event held in St Petrock.

In 1879, there was concern for the structure of St Petrock and it was threatened with demolition. Following a public outcry supported by the artist and philanthropist John Ruskin, St Petrock was reprieved and repaired and today is cared for by The Churches Conservation Trust. It is used once each year for the service of the Spring festival, Parracombe Revels.

Following a local fund raising effort to which Ruskin himself gave £10, Christ Church was built as the new parish church in a more central location in the village.

If you stand by the porch at Christ Church and look across the valley of the River Heddon, you will see Holwell Castle, a remarkably well preserved example of a Norman motte and bailey castle which was also built by William of Falaise. An information board explains why the castle was built here and how it would have looked in Norman times.

Today, Christ Church is part of the benefice of Lyn Valley Churches, a list of which you will find on the right of this page, Our Other Churches.

Lyn Churches are in turn part of the North Devon Coast Ministry.

A warm welcome awaits you in Christ Church or any of the churches in our area.

Having recently received some unexpectedly large bills for work to repair dry rot and work on the lightning conductor, the PCC is urgently fundraising. Another Quiz Night was very successful, about 50 people attended and the proceeds from the evening were £787. More photos here

The Harvest Service conducted by Reverend Samantha was followed by the auction of produce and Harvest Supper hosted by members of Blackmoor Gate Young Farmers. This is the Young Farmers display in the church. More photos here.

This year, our Flower Festival and Display had the theme, "The Way We Were", looking at the fashions and activities of Parracombe residents in past years. When you look at it, you realise what an archive of life people have stored away in their drawers and cupboards. Thank you to everyone who contributed and supported the display. More photos here.

Parishioners are always delighted to see young couples getting married in Christ Church. The wedding of Dave Beard and Julie Petherick took place in Christ Church at the end of September this year. More photos here.

Parracombe Lane
Parracombe
Barnstaple
EX31 4QG

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