Virginstowe brings together ecclesiastical architecture and the River Carey valley. St Bridget’s and Ebenezer Chapel represent different chapters in the local history of religion; at the same time, the chapel’s location, the river, and a disused railway line shape the landscape. You can explore several footpaths from Virginstow. Cultural and historical details and a short walk to the river offer two different starting points for planning your trip.
St Bridget’s: Architectural History and Features
St Bridget’s Church in Virginstow was first mentioned in 1521 and was dedicated to St Bridget the Virgin. A slate altar frontal is dated 1624 and commemorates William Crocker of Crows Nest. The foundation stone for the new church was laid on 25 March 1851; the Bishop of Exeter consecrated the church on 1 June 1852. A stained-glass window depicts the Irish saint Bridget. In the churchyard, a grave is marked by a pink granite cross surrounded by iron railings.
St Bridget’s is in the Anglican Diocese of Truro, while Virginstow is in Devon. Thus, the church’s affiliation and its geographical location belong to two different reference systems. St Bridget’s welcomes visitors; check current access arrangements before your visit.
Ebenezer Chapel: Inscriptions and Views
Ebenezer Chapel is a Methodist chapel. It stands on a rise along the road to Tillislow Farm, more than 600 feet above sea level, and offers sweeping views across open countryside. A plaque on the chapel bears the inscription “EBENEZER CHAPEL 1862”. Another plaque on the Sunday school extension is dated 1881. The two inscriptions relate to different parts of the building and give the chapel a distinctive history that is easy to trace.
The River Carey and the Natural Environment
The River Carey is a tributary of the Tamar and forms the western boundary of the parish of Virginstow. The parish lies within the “South West Forest” area. To the west, a disused railway line follows the river valley; together, the old railway trackbed and the River Carey form a wildlife corridor. A fish pass was installed at Middle Bridge in 1999, allowing more salmonids to migrate upstream to their spawning grounds.
A local account from 2003 records at least eight fish species in the River Carey, including salmon and brown trout. It also mentions banded demoiselles and beautiful demoiselles in the parish, red deer and roe deer in the woods, and wood horsetail, royal fern, and townhall clock in the shaded valley. The natural environment here thus encompasses the river, woodland, and valley, each offering its own wildlife and plant life to observe.
Walking from Virginstow
Several footpaths can be explored from Virginstow. A short walk leads along the road to the River Carey and its ford. The river is both a landscape boundary and a specific destination for a short walk. Check path conditions before setting off, as they can change.
Discover more destinations: Sidmouth, Beaworthy, Coffinswell, Buckfastleigh, Halberton, Kingskerswell, Stokeinteignhead, Cove.
For the main travel overview: Devon.
