St Saviour's Church, Dartmoor: Grade 1 Listed Gem

This extraordinary door in St Saviour's Church, Dartmouth has been carbon-dated to 1361.

The door is decorated with a magnificent example of medieval ironwork.

You can see a Biblical 'Tree of Life' and a pair of leopards, a popular symbol in Plantagenet times.

It bears the date 1631, but that is merely the year it was repaired.

The biblical Tree of Life is mentioned in the Book of Genesis in the Bible, particularly in the Garden of Eden narrative.

The Tree of Life is described as being planted in the midst of the Garden, along with the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil.

The significance of the Tree of Life is associated with the idea of eternal life or immortality.

After Adam and Eve disobeyed God by eating from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, they were expelled from the Garden of Eden, and access to the Tree of Life was denied to prevent them from living forever in their fallen state.

The Tree of Life is a recurring symbol in various religious and mythological traditions, representing different concepts such as immortality, wisdom, and the connection between heaven and earth.

St Saviour's Church, situated in the heart of the town of Dartmouth, was constructed in the middle ages.

Although permission was gained in 1286, it wasn’t built until 1372.

St Saviour’s is considered to be one of the best 100 churches in England and features in Simon Jenkins’ ‘England’s Thousand Best Churches’ and Tod Gray’s ‘Devon’s Fifty Best Churches’.

Of particular interest is the large memorial brass to John Hawley, believed to be Chaucer’s ‘Shipman’ in the Canterbury Tales as well as the major donor of funds to construct the building and (in)famous local politician.

Other important features are the beautiful altar dating from James I, the ornate rood screen and the south door with its medieval ironwork.

St Saviour’s underwent major restoration during the first part of 2014.

This included cleaning and restoring to their original colours, the high altar, the ceiling and the front of the gallery, together with strengthening work to the balcony and the creation of a cosy children’s area.

They detail the fabric and furnishing at St Saviour’s Church and have been compiled by the dedicated Church Recording Group of the Arts Society of Dartmouth and Kingswear.

The west end of the church is taken up by a large gallery decorated with coats of arms.

The fourth from the right is that of John Hawley II.

The fifth from the left belongs to John Hawkins and the sixth is that of another naval hero, Sir Francis Drake. In the centre of the gallery is a royal coat of arms to Charles II.

The gallery is said to be made with timbers from a Spanish ship captured in the Armada invasion of 1588, though the gallery itself was built in 1633.

Another historical highlight linked to the Spanish Armada is a 16th-century Armada Chest, used by a naval officer at the time of the Armada.

The chest has an intricate iron locking system and is so heavy that it would have taken several men to carry.

Someone who recently visited the church said: “The Rood screen is particularly charming with pleasing carvings, in fact the whole church is something very special, and is maintained and supported by a keen congregation.

”Surrounded by small independent shops and inns , which themselves have quite a history, it would be easy to overlook this fine church - this would be a pity as it really is a worthwhile spot on any visit to historic Dartmouth.”

Another person added: “Wonderful painted and carved wooden screen and pulpit, painted ceiling and balcony. Candles to light.

”Wish there had been a booklet/notices explaining everything. Well worth dropping in whilst walking round the town.”

The church stands on Anzac Street, a stone's throw from Dartmouth Museum and the harbour.

The address is: Anzac Street, Dartmouth, Devon, England, TQ6 9DL.

The heart of Dartmouth beats vibrantly along its quayside and harbour.

The picturesque waterfront, lined with colorful houses and bobbing boats, exudes a quintessential charm.

You can stroll along the Embankment, soak in panoramic views of the estuary, or explore the bustling Dartmouth Harbour, where fishing vessels and luxury yachts share space, creating a dynamic maritime ambiance.

The South West Coast Path offers scenic walks with breathtaking vistas, while nearby beaches like Blackpool Sands invite relaxation and seaside adventures.

No visit to Dartmouth would be complete without a visit to the castle!

Surrounded by sparkling waters, Dartmouth is one of the most beautifully located fortresses in England.

For over 600 years, the castle has guarded the narrow entrance to the Dart Estuary and the busy, vibrant port of Dartmouth.

It offers stunning views and provides a great family day out, whatever the weather.

The seaside castle has plenty for explorers – young and old, such as an atmospheric Gun Tower, winding passages and a climb to the top of the battlements.

And if the weather is fine, you can catch a river boat from the town quay, landing you a minute's walk away from the entrance.

Walkers will also love the coastal and woodland walks around the castle, where you can spot plenty of wildlife and birds.

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