The Church lies at the centre of the small but spread out village of Gidleigh, next to the 14th century castle. The Church, re-built in the 15th century, is a Grade 1 listed building and lies on the site of an old Saxon Chapel. It is constructed of local freestone granite. The peaceful churchyard is bisected by a water leat arising from the moor and this adds to the tranquillity of the space, which has wildlife areas and good access to graves for visitors and relatives.
The Church
In the Church there is a well-constructed, partly-decorated 15th-century Rood screen. The Chancel was re-ordered 12 years ago, making it simple and bright, with an elegant oak Altar table. Under the floor of the Chancel is a large crypt, containing one large galvanised coffin. The granite Font dates from the 15th century and the granite Lectern and Pulpit date from the mid-19th century. The tower has 5 bells, some of which were cast in the church yard in the 15th century. One was made in the 18th century, and one (a Peace bell) in the early 20th century. The bells are regularly rung before services.
Typical service schedule
Holy Trinity has mainly had more traditional services (BCP) and shares the North Dartmoor Parishes service rota with St Mary’s in Throwleigh. Services are held on the 3rd (8.30 Holy Communion) and 4th (11.15 Matins) Sundays of each month.
We also hold several special services for the important days of the calendar, some agriculture related. These are an Easter Vigil (sometimes a Passion Play), Rogation Sunday and Lammas Sunday (in style, with lunch) and Nativity events at Christmas with Christmas day Communion and a Service of NIne Lessons and Carols.
Upcoming services & events
Services are shared with Throwleigh. All services and events across North Dartmoor Parishes.
Celtic Morning Prayer
8 December 2024 11:15 amSt Mary the Virgin, Throwleigh EX20 2HTSaid Holy Communion (BCP)
15 December 2024 8:30 amHoly Trinity, Gidleigh TQ13 8HRNativity
22 December 2024 11:15 amHoly Trinity, Gidleigh TQ13 8HRCarol Service
24 December 2024 4:00 pmSt Mary the Virgin, Throwleigh EX20 2HTHoly Communion (BCP)
25 December 2024 8:30 amHoly Trinity, Gidleigh TQ13 8HR
In the community
The pews were removed from the church about 120 years ago, so now there are chairs and a wooden floor which allows for any type of seating plan.
The church is used for services, concerts and plays, including the Whiddon Autumn Festival Compline by candle-light. During the summer months the church hosts very popular cream teas each Sunday afternoon. Other fund raising comes from the sale of village books, and planned giving.
Some church events are held in the Village hall which is 200 yards away — such as the Church Christmas Bazaar and other less formal gatherings.
More photos of the interior and exterior of the church can be found on the Devon Churchland website.
Contact us
For matters relating to the Church, including inquiries re baptisms/christenings, weddings, funerals, or other events, please contact:
Otherwise, please use the information on the Contact Us or Safeguarding pages.
How to find us
There is a small parking area by the Church and access to the Church is slightly limited by some granite steps. There is a compostable toilet within the vestry and this is available when the vestry is unlocked. The Church itself is always unlocked and open for everyone.
- Postcode: TQ13 8HR
- what3words: refilled.promising.different
Accessibility
- Access to the Church is slightly limited by some granite steps
- Compostable toilet within the vestry
