Moreton - St Andrew's winter scene

St Andrew, Moretonhampstead

St Andrew’s is a granite 15th century Dartmoor Church built on the site of an earlier 14th, possibly 12th century church.

St Andrew’s is prominent in the life of Moretonhampstead. Villagers value the clock and bells, the latter being rung on major national and local events. Many tourists from both the UK and abroad visit the church, which is open every day. Local singing groups use the church regularly and concerts are played by visiting musicians.

The Church

There is evidence to show that a church was built on this site in about the year 1100. The existing tower was erected in 1418 and markings on the east wall of the tower show a smaller church to have been built probably in the 13th century.

The church is built on a traditional east-west axis. It has a nave and north and south aisles. At the east end a chancel is divided from the nave by a rood screen.

Major alterations were carried out in the late 19th century to 1905. The external walls of the nave were rendered and the internal plaster work stripped out. A new oak roof structure and oak ceiling linings were provided.

New clergy and choir vestries were built with organ loft over. The chancel floor was raised and a new rood screen installed.

An extensive churchyard surrounds the church.

Typical service schedule

Services are carried out weekly, with two communion services a month. The services are modern with some traditional wordings retained. Members of the congregation participate in the services by reading the lessons and leading the intercessions. Hymns are sung to the accompaniment of the organ or piano.

first Sunday of the monthMorning Worship at 9.30 am
second Sunday of the monthHoly Communion at 9.30 am
third Sunday of the monthMorning Worship at 9.30 am
fourth Sunday of the monthHoly Communion at 9.30 am
Moreton - Flag flying from tower
Moreton - Good Friday with Community Church

Upcoming services & events

All services and events across North Dartmoor Parishes.

Church groups

St Andrew’s has a group of Bell Ringers who regularly practice at the church and ring for special occasions. They also ring at other local churches and invite other Bell Ringers to ring at St Andrew’s. The Tower Captain is Julie Stansfield 01647 441577.

A Flower Arrangers group Provide flowers on a regular basis and for special occasions. Contact Carol Bennett on 440445

Use of the church by other organisations

The church is used by local singing groups and also hired for concerts, film shows etc. by other local and regional groups. In addition to the accessible toilet there is an area where light refreshments can be provided. Seating for about 200 people is available in the pews with space at the rear of the church for about 20 moveable chairs.

There is no availability calendar. Bookings are taken on a first come basis. Bookings are taken by the PCC Secretary, Wendy Coombes 01647 277580 .

There is no church hall but the Parish Hall is immediately in front of the church. This can be hired for church fund raising, and other functions, when appropriate.

Moreton - St Andrew's members sending relief to Ukraine
Moreton - St Andrew's winter scene

Contact us

For matters relating to the Church, including inquiries re baptisms/christenings, weddings, funerals, or other events, please contact:

You can connect via:

Otherwise, please use the information on the Contact Us or Safeguarding pages.

How to find us

There is no parking at the church but there are two public car parks within about five minutes’ walk.

Buses from Newton Abbot, Okehampton and Exeter stop in Moretonhampstead Mondays to Saturdays.

Accessibility

  • Portable ramps to access the South door
  • Wheelchair accessible toilet
  • Sound system with a ‘T’ Loop
  • Large print service sheets and hymn books are available

Friends of St Andrew’s

The Friends of St Andrew’s are a local fund raising group whose objective is to help with the maintenance of the church fabric. They are particularly interested in projects that will help preserve the condition of the church for the longer term. They hold fund raising events such as quizzes, coffee mornings, etc several times a year. They have made a major contribution to the funding since 1992. Contact Kathy Warner, Secretary to The Friends of St Andrew’s 01647 441378  )

Donations

Donations can be made by BACS transfer to the church account (available from the Treasurer).

We very much look forward to welcoming you!