English Heritage sites near Parracombe Parish
DUNSTER BUTTER CROSS
20 miles from Parracombe Parish
Transplanted stump of a medieval stone cross that was once a meeting place for people to bring and sell their own butter. Nearby attractions include Cleeve Abbey.
DUNSTER GALLOX BRIDGE
20 miles from Parracombe Parish
This ancient stone bridge - originally 'gallows bridge' - once carried packhorses bringing fleeces to Dunster market and is evidence of Dunster's once important role in the wool trade.
DUNSTER, YARN MARKET
21 miles from Parracombe Parish
Fine 17th century timber-framed octagonal market hall that is a monument to Dunster's once-flourishing cloth trade.
CLEEVE ABBEY
24 miles from Parracombe Parish
With possibly the finest cloister buildings in England, visitors can get a glimpse of monastic life 800 years ago. 15th century refectory with glorious angel roof and 13th century heraldic tiles.
DAWS CASTLE
25 miles from Parracombe Parish
Daws Castle is a clifftop fortress, which was founded by King Alfred to defend the people of Watchet against Viking attacks.
OKEHAMPTON CASTLE
32 miles from Parracombe Parish
Once the largest castle in Devon, nestling in the foothills of Dartmoor. Reputedly haunted and mentioned in the Domesday Book.
Churches in Parracombe Parish
Christ Church
Parracombe Lane
Parracombe
Barnstaple
01598 752289
Welcome to the parish of Parracombe on the edge of Exmoor
It is thought there has been a Christian presence in Parracombe since about A. D. 520 when the Celtic Saint Petrock is reputed to have visited the area. The small church of St Petrock stands at the edge of the village and was built late in the 11th century by William of Falaise, a relative of William the Conqueror.
In 1879, there was concern for the structure of St Petrock and it was threatened with demolition. Following a public outcry supported by the artist and philanthropist John Ruskin, St Petrock was reprieved and repaired and today is cared for by The Churches Conservation Trust. It is used once each year for the service of the Spring festival, Parracombe Revels.
Following a local fund raising effort to which Ruskin himself gave £10, Christ Church was built as the new parish church in a more central location in the village.
If you stand by the porch at Christ Church and look across the valley of the River Heddon, you will see Holwell Castle, a remarkably well preserved example of a Norman motte and bailey castle which was also built by William of Falaise. An information board explains why the castle was built here and how it would have looked in Norman times.
Today, Christ Church is one of the eight churches that form the Lyn Mission Community. A warm welcome awaits you in Christ Church or any of the churches in our area.
Pubs in Parracombe Parish
Fox & Goose Inn
Parracombe, EX31 4PE
(01598) 763239
foxandgooseinnexmoor.co.uk/