St Saviour’s

Church in the heart of the town of Dartmouth, was constructed in the middle ages when the town began to develop on the foreshore of the river and parishioners no longer wished to struggle up the hill to reach the parish church of St Clement. Although permission was gained in 1286 it wasn’t consecrated until 1372.

St Saviour’s is considered to be one of the best 100 churches in England and features in Simon Jenkins’ ‘England’s Thousand Best Churches’ and Tod Gray’s ‘Devon’s Fifty Best Churches’. Of particular interest is the large memorial brass to John Hawley, believed to be Chaucer’s ‘Shipman’ in the Canterbury Tales as well as the major donor of funds to construct the building and (in)famous local politician. Other important features are the beautiful altar dating from James I, the ornate rood screen and the south door with its medieval ironwork.

St Saviour’s underwent major restoration during the first part of 2014; this included cleaning and restoring to their original colours, the high altar, the ceiling and the front of the gallery, together with strengthening work to the balcony and the creation of a cosy children’s area.

The Church Record of St Saviour’s Church, Dartmouth is available for loan from the Benefice Office. They detail the fabric and furnishing at St Saviour’s Church and have been compiled by the dedicated Church Recording Group of the Arts Society of Dartmouth and Kingswear.

• Volume One: Intro, Memorials, Metalworks and Stonework.
• Volume Two: Woodwork, Textiles, Paintings, Library, Windows, Misc.

If you would like to loan the books to read at home, please contact the Benefice Office on 01803 834550 or email info@dartmouthanddittisham-anglican.org to check availability.