The church, dedicated to St Michael the Archangel, is Chagford’s oldest building. The first written record we have is of the dedication of a church here in 1261 by Bishop Branscombe of Exeter
The church, dedicated to St Michael the Archangel, is Chagford’s oldest building. The first written record we have is of the dedication of a church here in 1261 by Bishop Branscombe of Exeter, but it is likely there was a sacred site here back in Saxon times. St. Michael’s as we see it today is largely the result of re-building in the 15th century, the tower and south porch dating from that period. Victorian enhancements include the painting of the great East window, the richly guilded reredos (the ornamental screen behind the altar), and most of the stained glass windows in the north and south aisles. The beginning of 20th century saw new pews, the great oak screen, the pulpit and the delicate carving of the choir stalls. In 1961 there were extensive refurbishments including the entire re-flooring in granite (as was the custom in medieval churches). Changes in the 21st century include the reordering of the west end and the North West door and the creation of “a living churchyard” to encourage biodiversity.
