Our History

From Saxon beginnings to a vibrant 21st‑century parish — St Mary’s has been a steady witness of faith and community in Bideford for centuries.

Highlights

Pre‑Norman: Evidence of a cob‑and‑wattle Saxon church stood on this site at the time of the Norman Conquest.
1259: A new church was built over the Saxon one, attributed to Sir Richard Grenville; dedicated by Bishop Bronscombe. From this medieval building, the tower, font and holy water stoup in the north porch remain.
1863 (Easter Monday): Foundation stone laid for the present Victorian church by the Rector, the Revd Francis Ley Bazeley (silver trowel on display near the pulpit).
12 January 1865: The current church was consecrated by Bishop Henry Phillpotts.
2015: 150th anniversary year marked by celebrations and commemorative banners recognising Christian witness in Bideford across the generations.

Why rebuild? An 1862 Faculty recorded the Norman church was “very dilapidated… damp, ill‑ventilated and unwholesome,” prompting the Victorian rebuilding.

Architect & Listing

Architect: Edward Ashworth (1862–65), in a Perpendicular‑revival style with stone rubble and limestone dressings.

Listing	Grade II* (List Entry No. 1200893)
First listed	8 November 1949
Churchyard structures	Walls, gates and railings are listed Grade II.

Treasures & Features

Medieval tower: The sturdy 13th‑century tower survives from the 1259 church, with a battlemented parapet.
Bells: A peal of eight — five cast in 1722 and three in 1876 — continues to ring out across the town.
Organ: A three‑manual instrument by “Father” Willis (Henry Willis & Sons), installed in 1865.
Chancel & glass: Late‑19th‑century stained glass includes the east window by Alexander Gibbs (1865).
Chained book: A 1567 copy of Bishop John Jewel’s Apology of the Church of England is displayed in a glass case, echoing the Elizabethan practice of chaining key texts for public reading.
Historic memorials: Notable tablets include Admiral B.C.T. Pim, RN, and references to Raleigh, a Native American associated with early Bideford history.

From Heritage to Mission — Today

In 2015 we looked back with thankfulness; in 2025/26 we look forward with purpose. As we care for this beautiful church, we also shape it for the future through Project Mustard Seed — levelling floors for access, replacing pews with flexible seating, adding a purpose‑built kitchen and a meeting room. These improvements honour our heritage while opening the door to wider worship, hospitality and community use.

To support ongoing preservation and the Mustard Seed works, please see our Donate page. Thank you for helping St Mary’s remain a place of prayer, welcome and service.