The History of St Andrew's Church Colyton

Family Tree Research (Genealogy) For records of Colyton births, deaths, and location of graves:- Tel: Mr J Cochrane 01297 552828 A Saxon church occupied the site of St Andrew's church until replaced by the present Norman church in the 11th century. In the 15th century, the lantern tower was added to the top of the square bell tower. The lantern tower is octagonal which is not common in UK. It is said that the tower served as a navigation guide to sailors on the river Axe but this a myth as the tower cannot be seen from the Axe.               Discover more of the history of Colyton, try:- www.colytonhistory.co.uk

A Saxon cross was discovered after a fire in 1933, it had been broken up in Norman times and used as building blocks in the fabric of the tower. The cross has now been restored and can be seen inside the church. In the 17th century many Colyton men seeking freedom of worship joined the Monmouth rebellion with tragic consequences. Improvements In the 18th century the aisles were widened and the clock was added to the tower. You will see evidence of a thousand years of history in the church including the tomb with painted Elizabethan figures of the lord of the manor and his wife lying back-to-back. Return to Church Tour menu Return to Home Page

OR