St. Andrew Alwington
St Andrew’s Church is a grade 1 listed building noted for many interesting features, including 6 bells - 2 of which date back to the 1500s, the Alwington bible (not a book), unique medieval carvings and further exquisite wood workings by Reuben Arnold.
The parish of Alwington consists of a collection of hamlets (Alwington, Fairy Cross, Woodtown and Ford) and various farms and isolated houses. This parish is entirely rural, situated roughly 5 miles west of Bideford with a population of 374 according to the 2021 census.
A large proportion of the land within the parish is owned by the Portledge Estate where the old manor house can be found. Our research shows us that the Coffin family (latterly known as Pine-Coffin) was initially gifted the estate by King William 1 in 1086 but had to relinquish it and it is now in private ownership.
St Andrew’s Church has been a place of worship since the 12th century as evidenced by the stone base of an old preaching cross outside the church door.
A service is held every Sunday throughout the year at 9.30am or 11am. The congregation varies in size but there is always a buzz of conversation and a warm welcome. This continues after the service over coffee in the adjacent old school room.
Anyone visiting St Andrew’s Church or churchyard will be pleased to note that the accessible toilet in the Old School room is always open. The church also has level access. Unfortunately the church is not always open but we have contact numbers on the porch door of willing volunteers who will gladly come to open the church.
St Andrew’s Church sits in a stunning location overlooking the picturesque Yeo Vale with the church towers of Buckland Brewer and Parkham in the distance.
