St John the Baptist, North Bovey

North Bovey is a pretty village within the Dartmoor National Park, of mainly thatched cottages arranged around a village green. It is part of a large rural parish containing many isolated houses, hamlets and hill farms and with a population of about 220.

St John’s Church stands just off the green in the centre of the village. There has been a place of worship on the site for about eight hundred years, spanning the reigns of 36 monarchs. St John’s has survived civil war, plagues and famine. It has celebrated coronations, festivals, fairs and deliverance. It has witnessed betrothals, marriages, births and deaths; in short St John’s has watched over the history and development of the North Bovey community over many years, a very precious legacy bequeathed to us through countless generations.

The Church

The building itself is mainly 14th and 15th century and has been well-maintained over the years.

The current church reflects its past history and visitors can follow a guide to admire its many features. The church is particularly proud of its roof boss of the ‘tinners hares’ – sacred trinity symbol. Surrounding the church, a beautifully maintained graveyard provides a peaceful place for reflection and remembrance.

Typical service schedule

All welcome! Refreshments follow all services.

first Sunday of the month	Informal Lay-led Worship at 10.00 am
third Sunday of the month	Holy Communion at 9.30 am

Upcoming services & events

Services are occasionally shared with Moretonhampstead. All services and events across North Dartmoor Parishes.

• Holy Communion

  8 December 2024 9:30 am
  St Andrew, Moretonhampstead TQ13 8LL

• Carols on the Green

  15 December 2024 4:00 pm
  St John the Baptist, North Bovey TQ13 8RA

• Midnight Mass

  24 December 2024 11:00 pm
  St John the Baptist, North Bovey TQ13 8RA

• Family Service

  25 December 2024 10:30 am
  St John the Baptist, North Bovey TQ13 8RA

• Group Holy Communion

  29 December 2024 11:00 am
  St John the Baptist, North Bovey TQ13 8RA

In the community

The congregation is friendly and pro-active in village community life. Villagers regularly come together to participate in cleaning of the church and maintaining the churchyard. A second-hand book stall is situated in the side aisle to raise funds for the upkeep of our beautiful church. Holidaymakers and visitors are always welcome to join our services or enjoy the peaceful tranquility of the church, which is open daily.

• Civil Parish of North Bovey – northbovey.org
• Parish Hall bookings – Hazel Jones, 01647 440143,
• Ring of Bells Public House – 01647 440375, www.ringofbells.net

Contact us

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

• Sarah Rego, Churchwarden
  01647 441096,
• Jean Grist, Churchwarden
  01647 440470,

You can connect via:

• Facebook @NorthBoveyChurch
• Website covering Doccombe, Lustleigh, Manaton, Moretonhampstead, North Bovey churches: moretonbenefice.uk

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

How to find us

Parking is available in the public car park opposite the church and around the village green.

• Postcode: TQ13 8RA / TQ13 8QZ
• what3words: habits.transmitted.dwell

Accessibility

• Access by a level, sloping path from the lychgate to the church porch
• No toilet facilities or hearing loop

We very much look forward to welcoming you!