Church of St Nonna

The Church of St Nonna stands in the quiet hamlet of Bradstone, Devon. Built in the 12th century, it is one of England’s oldest churches and holds Grade I listed status. The Churches Conservation Trust now cares for the building, protecting its medieval fabric for future generations. The church takes its name from Saint Nonna, a figure from early Christian tradition. Inside, visitors can trace the layers of history from the Norman period to later additions. The church’s most striking feature is its arcaded north aisle, added in the 15th century. The west tower, also from that period, rises above the surrounding countryside. On the south wall of the chancel, delicate tracery survives from 1261, the year Bishop Walter Branscombe dedicated the church. Outside the tower, a worn stone marks the life of John Coumbe, who lived from 1484 to 1604—long enough to outlast the entire Tudor dynasty. Inside, the simple nave and chancel reveal plain Norman arches and later Gothic details. Light filters through the small windows, illuminating worn benches and a plain font. The tower’s thick walls and narrow stairs hint at its defensive role in past centuries. Beyond the churchyard, rolling Devon fields stretch to the horizon, offering a peaceful setting for reflection.