St Edward's Church, Wiggaton Explained

Building Name:St Edward's Church
Location:Wiggaton, Devon, England
Geo:50.7355°N -3.2759°W
Status:Active
Architect:Edward G. Warren
Year Completed:1893

St Edward's Church is a Church of England church in Wiggaton, Devon, England.[1] It was constructed in 1892–93 and designed by the Exeter architect Edward G. Warren. The church has been Grade II listed since 1952.

History

St Edward's was built as a chapel of ease to the parish church of St Mary's in Ottery St Mary. At the time, Wiggaton and its surrounding neighbourhood had a population of around 150, with most inhabitants approximately a mile from the parish church. In 1890, Rev. M. Kelly, the vicar of Ottery St Mary, began holding services once a fortnight in Wiggaton's schoolroom. Plans were then made for the erection of a church and funds began to be raised by subscription. The church was designed by Mr. Edward G. Warren of Exeter, with Mr. F. Grace of Exmouth hired as the builder.[2]

The foundation stone was laid on 10 November 1892 by William Rennell Coleridge of Salston. The ceremony was attended by the choir of the parish church and a short service conducted by Rev. Kelly.[2] The church, which cost £400 to build, was dedicated to Edward the Confessor by the Bishop of Exeter, the Right Rev. Edward Bickersteth, on 8 March 1893.[3]

Architecture

St Edward's is built of red brick, with dressings in Corsham Down stone and a slate roof, in the Early English style. It was designed to accommodate approximately 80 persons. The east end of the building is semi-octagonal, and the vestry and organ chamber are located on the south side. The east end has a central triple light window and the west gable has a bell-cote. The roof is open timbered.[4]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: St Edward the Confessor . A Church Near You . 2019-09-15.
  2. News: Wiggaton chapel-of-ease . The Western Morning News . Plymouth . 11 November 1892 . 15 September 2019. . subscription .
  3. News: Ottery St Mary . The Western Times . 10 March 1893 . 15 September 2019. . subscription .
  4. News: A new church for Wiggaton . The Exmouth Journal . Exmouth . 12 November 1892 . 15 September 2019. . subscription .