St Petrock's Church, Parracombe

St Petrock’s Church stands in the village of Parracombe on the north coast of Devon. Built in the 13th century, it is one of the oldest buildings in the area and was given Grade I listed status for its historical importance. The church is now looked after by the Churches Conservation Trust after being declared redundant in 1969. Parts of the original 13th-century structure remain, including the chancel and part of the tower. Much of what visitors see today comes from a major rebuild in the early 16th century.

The church is worth visiting for its layers of history and the people who saved it. In 1879 the building was judged unsafe, but protests led by John Ruskin persuaded authorities to repair rather than demolish it. Ruskin personally gave £10 towards the work, a small sum that helped preserve the church for future generations. Inside, the 18th-century box pews and Georgian pulpit show how worship changed over time. A carved wooden tympanum above the screen also dates from the same period.

Inside, the church feels quiet and still, with light falling through clear windows onto the old pews. The screen and pulpit stand as simple but elegant reminders of the 18th century. Outside, the churchyard holds weathered gravestones that tell stories of the local community. The building sits close to the heart of Parracombe, where a newer church was later built to the west. Its stone walls and tower remain a familiar landmark in the village.