The Parish Church of St Andrew, Colyton

Located in the centre of the town, the St Andrew’s Church plays an important part in the life of the community. A very unusual octagonal lantern top stage sits on top of the 12th-century tower, containing eight bells.

Dating from the 15th and early 16th centuries, the main building bore further additions in 1765 and 1816. St Andrew’s Church contains many historical features, including the Courtney monument in the chancel, which is the oldest in the church. It shows Margaret Beaufort, granddaughter of John of Gaunt, who married Thomas Courtney, 5th Earl of Devon, and died in 1439.

Unfortunately, a large fire in 1933 caused extensive damage to the church. However, during renovation, a Saxon cross (late 10th century) was discovered inside the tower and the restored cross now stands in the South Transept beside the font. It is considered the best Saxon carving in Devon.

The magnificent and huge west window was installed in 1908, replacing a plain 15th-century window. The glass shows Christ in majesty surrounded by angels, the apostles and scenes from the life of St Andrew, each saint with a unique halo. In 2010, a restoration of the window was undertaken by craftsman Andrew Johnson, repairing cracks in the glass and failing leadwork. The church also holds two exceptional brass candelabra dating back to 1796: each holds 36 candles which are still lit periodically.