Newton St Cyres Church Tours: Heritage Open Days 2022

About

St Cyr (aged 3) and his mother, St Julitta, suffered martyrdom in 304 as Christians were persecuted under the rule of the Roman Emperor Diocletian and Governor Alexander. There may have been earlier buildings on the present site, but we know that the earliest recognizable parts of the present building are fragments of 12th century work at the south door and tower. The late medieval period of the 14th and 15th centuries was a time of prosperity through wool and textile production and, as with many Devon churches, the church was then enlarged and made more elaborate. There is early evidence of the Quicke family in the village with a burial in the church dating to 1549. In 1573 Elizabeth I granted Arms to the Quicke family. The embattled church tower has eight Bells, four of which were first hung in 1553. In the 18th century Newton St Cyres was a major producer of manganese from mines opened in 1790 alongside the lead and silver mines located on Tin Pits Hill south of the village. (Visitors may also wish to visit the Arboretum at the rear of the Church: there is a self-guide leaflet provided.)

Visitors will be able to purchase a fuller history of the Church and of the Mines researched & written by the late Brian Please (2019). 

Booking essential - Phone or text Christine 07773038689.