Welcome
The Church House, South Tawton, Devon is a small, robust and highly attractive late 15th century building, constructed of granite with a thatched roof. It lies just inside the northern edge of the Dartmoor National Park, at the heart of the village of South Tawton, and is a Grade II* Listed historic building, in a Conservation Area, with the church of St Andrew rising dramatically behind it. The proximity of the building to this Grade 1 church, in the centre of the village, is a major attraction for visitors to the area.
The location is particularly significant for walkers, being directly on the Tarka Trail, The Archangel’s Way and also the recommended route between Lands End and John O Groats.
The building itself is south facing with, on the ground floor, an entrance lobby, ramped to a large hall on one side and a food preparation area and toilets on the other. The first floor is reached by external granite steps, with a large hall and a smaller display/audio visual room.
Church House is an outstanding example of a special type of medieval community building. The community of the Parish of South Tawton has used Church House for over 500 years and remarkably it is still owned by the Incumbent and Church Wardens, as Trustees on behalf of the Parish and is run by the Church House Management Committee. Local documentary evidence (which begins in 1524) has produced data about the history of farming, land management and the evolution of the distinct group of community buildings called “Church Houses” during the Reformation; a period of major importance in national history.
A special feature is the roof structure, which preserves cruck trusses and rare smoke-blackened thatch. The building has undergone a complete restoration costing a third of a million pounds, funded by The Heritage lottery Fund (78%) and seventeen other major donors (22%).
There is a ramped entrance, together with changing room/disability toilet facilities and a modern food preparation area. The Committee is supported by the Friends of Church House, with both financial and voluntary work contributions.
We hope that this site provides you with some useful information about Church House and that you can visit us soon. Please contact us for any further information, to arrange visits or to offer volunteer assistance.