St Saviour's Church

Gazing across the River Dart from Kingswear, one can see the ancient Church of Saint Saviour. St. Saviour's, except for its tower, is almost hidden by the Victorian development of the Quay. 

Permission for a church to be built on the site was given by Edward I in 1286 when he came to inspect the harbour for his use in his French campaigns. The Bishop of Exeter and the Abbot of Torre, who appointed the priests of St. Clement's and had not been consulted, objected and their objections were great and lengthy. Eventually, in October 1372 Bishop Brantingham of Exeter consecrated the Church in honour of the Holy Trinity but in 1430 was known as St. Saviour's.   

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 an (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.

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