Parracombe Parish

Parish registers, notice of services, copy glebe terrier, Churchwardens' accounts, church rate, appeal for funds, visitors' books

The following records are of St. Petrock's Church, except for PR 4 and PR 7 which relate to St. Petrock's up to 1878 and to Christ Church thereafter.

The post - 1836 marriage register, which similarly relates to both churches, has been retained for the time being among the records of Christ Church.

These records are available for research. No original documents are produced between 12.00 and 14.00 and notice is required if visiting between these hours.

The original parish church (St. Petrock), dating from Norman times and containing very fine Georgian fittings, is situated at Parracombe Churchtown. In the mid-nineteenth century it became very dilapidated and, with the growth of the hamlet round Parracombe Mill, was considered too far from the centre of population. As a result, in 1878, it was abandoned and a new parish church (Christ Church) built near Parracombe Mill. Due to the interest of antiquarians St. Petrock's was not demolished as originally intended, but continued to be used for occasional services until recent years when its dangerous condition necessitated its complete closure. On 25th June, 1971 the church was vested in the Redundant Churches Fund which has since undertaken its repair. It is to be re-opened to the public as a show-place and a rare example of a church which escaped the attentions of Victorian restorers.