The Parish Church

The Parish Church

Church windows

Dating from about the year 1450, the Parish Church, dedicated to St Andrew, is of the perpendicular period of architecture. Situated on high ground adjoining the sentry, the Church provides a picturesque view and can be seen to advantage from the surrounding hills. Built of granite, the fine embattled tower contains a clock. Though Cromwellian troops passed through the town, the church does not appear to have suffered from vandalism like its neighboring churches. Some good tracery may be seen in the windows of the aisles.

The church, at some time, was badly restored and made bare, and a remarkably fine oak screen was turned out, but happily secured by the Earl of Devon of that time who gave it to Whitchurch, near Tavistock. The church was again restored and enlarged in 1901, through the generosity of the then patron, the last Viscount Hambleden.  The gift of the living has since been presented to the bishop of the diocese.

The Moretonhampstead Parish Church of St Andrew

A handsome new screen, together with an organ chamber and vestry, were added to the East. A new organ was also added. The late Viscount Hambleden also built an imposing Rectory, which occupies a site below the Sentry (the recreation area next to the church) but this is no longer used as such. Also a very fine carved oak Rood, the gift of the Hon. Mrs Seymour was given in the memory of her husband, who was for many years Churchwarden.

 

History