The church is a Grade 1 listed, mediaeval church located on a steep bluff in the centre of the village adjacent to the parish orchard and the Mill Pool. There was already a church at Stoke Gabriel at the time of the Norman Conquest and its existence is mentioned in the Domesday Book. The church was originally dedicated to St Gabriel in about 1276 but was rededicated jointly to St Mary and St Gabriel in 1846 shortly before it underwent major restoration and refurbishment.
The church is made of classic Devon stone with a slate roof and comprises a bell tower and choir vestry, nave and chancel, and vicar’s vestry. The tower is older than the rest of the church and dates from the 13th Century. The original nave, the main body of the church, fell into disrepair and was rebuilt in the 15th Century. At the same time, the font, pulpit and rood screen were added.
The appearance of the interior owes much to the Victorians, who in 1856/57 gave the church a new roof, windows and a new floor, which was elevated in the chancel and in particular the sanctuary. They also installed new pews and an organ, added a vestry and south porch.
The church is reached from the village via the lychgate at the southern end of Church Walk, a picturesque cobbled path that connects with Paignton Road. The churchyard completely surrounds the church and is bounded by a stone wall on three sides and by local flora and fencing on the other. The churchyard has fine views over the mill pool and the River Dart with plenty of south-facing benches for people to rest, contemplate or simply enjoy the views. There are many fine headstones commemorating members of local families, including the Pomeroy and Churchward families. It contains one of the oldest yew trees in the country, said to be 800 to 1000 years old.
A traditional rhyme claims to provide a way in which wishes can be fulfilled: "Walk ye backward round about me seven times round for all to see; Stumble not and then for certain one true wish will come to thee.”
To find the cache go to the lych gate at the main entrance to the churchyard. Just to the left of the lych gate is a notice board, gather the following information:
A = Number of 'k's in the website address
Incumbent & Team Rector phone number 01803-xxxxCx
Associate Priest phone number 01803-xxBxxD'
Emergency contact & keyholder 01803-xxExxF
The cache is located at N 50° 24.ABC W 003° 37.DEF
There is a bit of a walk, but at the time of placing the church was visible from the final location.
You can validate your puzzle solution with certitude.
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For full information on how you can expand the Church Micro series by sadexploration please read the Place your own Church Micro page before you contact him at churchmicro.co.uk
See also the Church Micro Statistics and Home pages for further information about the series.
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