St Mary’s Church
Dedicated in 1239, the old church was pulled down in 1865 and a new church built
in 1866. Some relics from the old church were incorporated into the new structure
including 17th century pew ends, oak communion table and the Brooke memorials which
are said to be amongst the finest medieval brasses in England.
by June Ede
Thorncombe’s Chapels
During the 19th century there were three non-conformist chapels here; Ebenezer where
the Baptists worshiped, the Congregationalist chapel at Venn and Gospel Hall in the
centre of the village which is still used by the Plymouth Brethren.
By June Ede
Thorncombe’s Commonwealth Vicars
During the civil war Thorncombe’s parish priests Robert Gomersall and John Bragge
were found guilty of delinquency for ‘ayding and assisting the Enemy agt. Parliament’,
and paid the price.
By Eve Higgs
Thorncombe’s Quakers
The location of Thorncombe’s Friends Meeting House and burial ground.
by Eve Higgs
Who was William Bragge?
One man’s journey from a Somerset blacksmith’s forge to the outer ranks of Thorncombe’s
gentry.
By Eve Higgs
