TIMBERSCOMBE CHURCHES
Church of England: Diocese of Bath and Wells, Exmoor Deanery
Parish church of St Petrock
This is one of several churches around Exmoor dedicated to St Petrock. For many years it was known as St Michael and All Angels, until its original dedication was rediscovered. There are references to the church from the 13th century and the list of rectors starts in 1313. The oldest parts of the present building are the north doorway and chancel, dating from about 1450. The door in the porch is original and still has its wrought iron hinges, handle and wooden lock.
The tower was rebuilt in 1708 with a donation from Richard Elsworth, who also gave money for the founding of a school. There is a memorial to him below the tower clock. The nave is mid 16th Century but has a 15th Century screen dividing it from the chancel. A door leads to where the rood loft once ran across the screen. The nave, aisle and porch all have wagon roofs with carved bosses. The nave and aisle have Perpendicular windows, the one at the east end of the aisle being similar to one at Selworthy and contains fragments of old glass. Over a closed up south doorway is a wall painting of King David and some lettering of about 1550 that were discovered in 1955. Around the 15th century font are tiles probably made at Cleeve Abbey in the early 16th century.
Minister: The Rev Stephen Humphreys Tel:(01643) 841265
Methodist Church: Plymouth and Exeter District
Methodist chapel
The Methodist Chapel appears to be hidden down steps behind a barn in Church Street, opposite the higher entrance to the parish church. From 1822 to 1834 services were held at the home of John Beadon, a local shopkeeper. Then a room was hired and converted to a chapel. The present chapel was built in 1836 by brothers Edward and James Cording, who farmed from Croydon Hall. Like parts of the nearby barn, it is built of cob. Inside it has a central aisle and is well furnished with a small gallery and a platform extending from wall to wall carrying the organ and pulpit. The Rev J P Martin , author of the 'Uncle' series of chilrens' books, retired to Timberscombe and was a regular preacher here until his death in 1966.
Services: Sundays 6.00pm