St Paul’s Church, Tiverton
St Paul’s Church in Tiverton is a Grade II listed parish church built by George Phillips Manners and John Elkington Gill between 1854 and 1856. Manners & Gill practiced in Bath from 1845 to 1866. Construction costs were met by Ambrose Brewin and Mary Beard's charity on site donated by local textile manufacturer John Heathcoat.
The chancel of this Church of England church was raised and refurbished by Nevinson and Newton in 1910 and 1911 and the organ—originally located at the west end—was paid for by John Heathcoat. The organ case dates to 1857 and is by H P Dicker.
There is a memorial on the wall of the north aisle of the church on which the names of 58 parishioners who lost their lives in the First World War are recorded. An inset brass plate also lists the names of 24 parishioners who lost their lives in World War II.
The church is used for regular services and events. There are Sunday morning services at 9.00am and 10.45am, as well as a Midweek Communion on Thursday mornings at 10.00am—a traditional style spoken service, based on the Book of Common Prayer and Common Worship.
St Paul's Church is a beautiful and historic building that is an important part of the Tiverton community. It is a place where people can come together to worship, learn, and grow. If you are in Tiverton, be sure to visit St Paul's Church. It is a beautiful and inspiring building that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Address
St Paul's Church, Church Street, Tiverton, Devon EX16 5HU
Historic Categorisations and Statutes
Statutory Heritage Listing
Grade: II (Grade Two). This indicates it is a building of "special interest, warranting every effort to preserve it." This is the most common category of listing, making up about 92% of the list.
List Entry Number: 1384918
Date First Listed: February 12, 1952
Significance: It is protected as a notable example of Victorian Gothic Revival architecture, designed by local architect G.A. Boyce. It represents the 19th-century expansion of Tiverton westward across the River Exe.
Local Designations
Civic Landmark: The church serves as the architectural centerpiece of Westexe, built specifically to serve the growing industrial population associated with the nearby Heathcoat Lace Factory.
Conservation Area: The building is a key asset within the Tiverton Conservation Area, defining the character of St Paul's Square and the surrounding Victorian residential development.
Site Components & Heritage Records
The Church Building: Constructed of local stone with a prominent tower, featuring a traditional cruciform plan and a Victorian interior.
Boundary Walls and Gatepiers: The stone walls and piers surrounding the churchyard are often included in the historic setting and protected under the general listing.
Historic Environment Record (HER): It is indexed in the Devon & Dartmoor HER under ID MDV1345.
Chronology of Historic Uses
1854–1856: Construction period, funded largely by the philanthropic efforts of John Heathcoat, owner of the lace factory.
1856–Present: Active use as a parish church serving the Westexe community.
1900s: Installation of significant stained glass windows, including works that commemorate local industrial families.
Late 20th Century: Modernisation of the internal vestries and community spaces to facilitate wider public use.
Current/Recent: Functioning parish church and community hub, hosting local groups, rehearsals, and civic services.
Useful Links
St George & St Paul Tiverton (Opens in new window) Serves as a hub for a "lively Anglican church" in Devon, offering a variety of resources for both regular attendees and visitors interested in the church's community work and historical significance. According to the site and related parish resources, visitors can find:
Church Services & Worship
Service Schedule: Information on regular Sunday services.
Online Worship Links to livestreamed services and digital resources for those unable to attend in person.
Special Seasons
Community & Outreach Ministries
Lunch & Breakfast "on the Go"
Children’s Activities
Bell Ringing: Opportunities for visiting ringers or those interested in learning the skill.
Historical & Heritage Information
Georgian Architecture
Visitor Guides
Practical Resources
Church Calendar
Safeguarding & Support Contact details for safeguarding officers and links for those needing pastoral support or prayer requests.
Giving: A portal for one-off or regular donations via the Parish Giving Scheme.
Facebook: St George & St Paul Tiverton (Opens in new window) Serves as an interactive community hub that provides regular updates on church life, upcoming events, and local outreach initiatives. Visitors can access livestreamed services, video reflections, and parish announcements, while also using the platform to engage with the congregation and stay informed about the church's various ministries and social activities.
