About Us

The Parish Church of St Mary Magdalene is a Grade I listed building, with a prominent four stage tower over ninety feet high, completed in 1520 and restored in the 1950s.

Its castellated top and granite pinnacles are impressive and support the weather vanes that, with the chiming clock, were restored by the community within the last five years.

Although possibly a tenth century building no medieval architecture survives, because of extensive 'restoration' during the nineteenth century. Even so the fifteenth century octagonal font, the wagon roof and the fifty-foot long carved wooden rood screen are important historical features, as are several nineteenth century stained-glass windows.

The tower houses a heavy ring of eight bells which, with their lovely tone, are a joy to ring. The Friends of Chulmleigh Parish Church are active fund-raisers and contribute much to the maintenance of the building.

Recently some re-ordering has occurred: removal of some pews in front of the screen to provide room for music and drama, removal of pews at the back, providing café space and a kitchen, whilst a lavatory facility is planned.

The church is used by the Academy for its Harvest and Christmas services and by the Town for its Old Fair service and British Legion Parade Service of Remembrance in November. The church is host to Chulmleigh Society concerts, including some by the Young Musicians Support, and drama, as well as the North Devon and Children's Hospice Christmas ‘Light up a Life’ service.

Safeguarding

If you have a concern about the safety of someone or the actions of someone working with children or vulnerable adults, please speak to someone:

Our Mission Community Safeguarding Representative is;

Revd Adrian Wells - Team Vicar and Rural Dean

Tel: 01884 861383

Exeter Diocese Safeguarding Team’s contact details;

https://exeter.anglican.org/resources/safeguarding/safeguarding-team/

If you are a young person and you feel unhappy about something happening to you, you can call Childline on 0800 11 11