A Guide to the main features of the Church
King David made the preparations which would allow his son Solomon to build a magnificent Temple in Jerusalem. Christians, ever since they were allowed to build churches, have attempted to provide a house worthy of God. Paignton Parish Church is no exception. The Saxon foundations, the Norman remains, the main fabric, and the attention which has been lavished on it in every generation and every century, speaks of the greatness of the God whom Christians worship. Here are many of the things you would find in any old building - a castle, a country house. The difference is that this is no museum. Week by week and day by day the God for whom our forebears built and beautified this church is worshipped, and that special atmosphere is built up.
We welcome you warmly to this ancient parish church; we know that you will find it interesting, even fascinating; and we hope that you will not leave without a prayer to the God who is worshipped here regularly - and you will then be adding to that special atmosphere which is only created by prayer.
B. R. Tubbs (Vicar)
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1 Tower.
Built 1327/69 by Bishop Grandisson. The upper section added 1420. Fine Norman door inserted (1100). Note notches at sides for joists holding stage for plays.
2 North Door
Of great age. Note small 'dog door' in base to allow dogs to be ejected
3 Mediaeval holy water stoup
4 Wall tomb recess
Slab was found in nearby Well Street. Thought to be coffin lid of Crusader period.
5 Transept. 'Eight Men's Aisle'
These being Wardens of the altars.
6 Altar by Sir Ninian Comper.
7 Reredos
Donated by the American Chapin family 1927, in memory of ancestor Samual Chapin, married in Paignton 1624 and sailed to the New World.
8 Sedelia.
Restored from ancient fragments. Colours were copied from original.
9 Norman period double lancet window
10 Organ
Given by Paris Singer 1889. Built by Charles Martin of Oxford.
11 The Kirkham Chantry Tomb with kneeling figures Members of the Kirkham family - no inscriptions. Circa 1434 - 1516.
12 The Chantry Screen
Exceptionally fine and rare stone screen with tomb- chests, considered to be among the finest in the country.
13 Rood Screen
Modern replacement in 1900. Typical Devon design. The Rood installed 1923 as a memorial to 1st War fallen.
14 Pulpit
Rare stone type with figures (mutilated) in recesses 15th century.
15 Wall tomb recess with 'cadaver'
Thought to be of a suffragan Bishop who lived in Paignton.
16 South Porch
Vaulted roof, central boss of God the Father.
17 The Font
Original Norman (1100). Very worn with Palmette decoration
18 The pillars, of sandstone
The two nearest the East end are original Norman, remainder 1327.
19 Roof Bosses
Set in Wagon roof of the nave. A few are mediaeval including three rabbits and a Medusa.
20 Base of old town market cross.
21 The Parish Cross (Restored)
22 Grooves in the walls
Where mediaeval archers sharpened their arrows.
