Throwleigh brings together a historic village church, prehistoric traces, and moorland covered with heather and gorse. This offers a range of interests for a stay: architectural history, walking, and the landscape at the edge of the moorland.
Prehistory, Moorland and Walking Routes
Above the village of Throwleigh, at Shilstone Tor, are Bronze Age hut circles. The Mariners Way passes through part of the parish of Throwleigh. These two facts have different geographical reference points: the hut circles are above the village, while the route passes through part of the parish. At the edge of the moorland, there are quiet country lanes and good opportunities for walking; the parish’s moorland is covered with heather and gorse. Those interested in prehistory will find a specific point of interest in the hut circles. Walkers can consider the named route and the landscape at the edge of the moorland as different points of reference.
St Mary the Virgin: Architectural History and Use
The church of St Mary the Virgin was built largely in the 15th and 16th centuries. Its roof timbers feature carved bosses depicting the Green Man and three hares. The dates of construction place the church in its historical context, while the carved bosses add specific visual motifs. The church is used for services, concerts, and talks, including a concert by the Whiddon Autumn Festival. Access is via several steep steps and is somewhat limited. Parking is restricted to the road in front of the church; visitor toilet facilities are available.
Other Historic Buildings
Church House in Throwleigh is a church house dating from the early 16th century. Higher Shilstone is a notable Dartmoor longhouse. Compared with St Mary the Virgin, some of the dates fall within the same century: Church House dates from the early 16th century, while St Mary was built largely in the 15th and 16th centuries. The building types also differ: the church, church house, and longhouse each offer a distinct perspective on architectural history.
Throwleigh Village Hall
Throwleigh Village Hall is a Second World War Nissen hut and previously served as the cinema accommodation for the US Army camp at Bridestowe. From the hall, there are views towards Castle Drogo and the Teign Valley. Its use also differs from that of a purely visitor attraction: the hall is suitable for themed events, wedding receptions, parties, and talks, as well as overnight stays as part of group activities on Dartmoor. If you are interested in history, both the hall’s construction and its current suitability as an event venue are worth considering.
A Monthly Service
A service is held at Providence Methodist Chapel on the third Sunday of every month. The uses mentioned for the two places of worship differ: St Mary the Virgin is also used for concerts and talks, while a regular monthly service is noted for the chapel. If you would like to plan your stay around this date, check it in advance.
Discover more destinations: Dalwood, Plymtree, Staverton, Combe Martin, Blackawton, Payhembury, Bampton, Whitchurch.
For the wider travel overview: Devon.
