Links to other useful websites (which open in a new window) and other contact details.
Please note that the opinions of external bodies may not be those of the Diocese of Exeter or the Devon Historic Churches Trust and the inclusion of any company’s details does not imply endorsement or recommendation of that individual, firm, organisation or charity.
Devon Church Land
The start of a delightful journey or deeper joy from an existing one?
With over three hundred and sixty quality articles, galleries and listed building details, over a hundred and twenty churches and a growing collection of fascinating history and knowledge posts…
Our separate website dedicated to Devon’s churches is just what the doctor ordered, if your doctor ordered beauty, art and wonder. Enjoy it here:
Grants and Church Grants Database
The Church Grants website is a searchable database of hundreds of UK trusts and foundations, all of which have funded church or Christian projects before. You will need your parish code which your treasurer should have or contact mission.resources@exeter.anglican.org. Then use the Church Grants database to search for possible funding for building and community projects.
Three Hares on Dartmoor
The ‘Three Hares’ is a well known symbol which can be found around Dartmoor National Park. The earliest examples of the ‘Three Hares’ symbol (chasing each other in a circle with ears joined giving the illusion that they each has two ears in spite only three ears in the symbol) dates from A.D 581, which was found in Buddhist caves in Mogao, Dunhuang, China. The symbol is thought to have been brought to the UK via the Silk Route (possibly transported via designs found on expensive oriental ceramic).
The Three Hares in Devon, England
We know of seventeen parish churches in Devon which contain at least one roof boss depicting the three hares. The bosses are crafted to cover the intersection of interior roof timbers. Twenty-nine bosses from Devon are known in total, of which nineteen are medieval and of wood.
Access to Historic Buildings: English Heritage Guidance
These guidelines are intended for those who own, manage or occupy historic buildings. They are also intended for those who will be professionally involved in planning alterations to historic buildings or in advising on alternative forms of service provision.
The British Institute of Organ Studies
Encouraging and promoting the study of the pipe organ.
The Central Council of Church Bell Ringers
The Towers and Belfries Committee of the Central Council of Church Bell Ringers make available advice and assistance on and information about the installation, maintenance and security of rings of bells, the maintenance of towers, and related matters. Contact details of how to obtain such advice can be found on the website.
Churchcare
Information about fundraising, guidance for new churchwardens and all sorts details on different aspects of maintaining church fabric and developing your church building
Church Monument Handbook
Useful advice on caring for stone monuments by conservation company Minerva.
Church Safety
Helpful information regarding Health and Safety.
The Cathedral and Church Buildings Library
The most important single collection in the UK of books and other material dedicated solely to ecclesiastical architecture, art, design and liturgy; a unique research tool for readers interested in those areas.
The Library is located at Church House, Westminster and is usually open to external readers by appointment with the Honorary Librarian (Telephone 0207 898 1863). They will also accept telephone queries from parishes to see what information they may hold on your particular church, which may be useful when having to undertake research for Statements of Significance when changes to a church are planned.
The Conservation Foundation
The Conservation Foundation was founded to provide a means for people in public, private and non-profit sectors to collaborate on environmental causes. In terms of churches, see the ‘Parish Pumps Programme’ section of the website; the Programme is organised in association with the Public Affairs Division of the Church of England. It brings news and information on sustainable living, provides funding for community projects and organises events on topical sustainable consumption and production issues.
Conservation Register
The Conservation Register makes information available on conservation-restoration businesses providing commercial services in a variety of specialisms, many of which will be useful to churches seeking specialist help.
Disability advice – Through the Roof
Through the Roof is a Christian disability ministry working in partnership with churches and other organisations to promote access and inclusion of disabled people in every area of church life.
Listed Places of Worship Grants Scheme
Information on how to reclaim VAT on church repairs.
National Churches Trust
Our mission is to promote a culture that recognises and supports church buildings of historic, architectural and community value. If you have an interest in churches you will find this site interesting.
Parish Resources for Stewardship
Church of England’s Stewardship website, with much useful information for parishes on this issue including information on giving, Gift Aid, a Stewardship Toolkit for Rural Churches, and much more.
Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB)
The SPAB represents the practical and positive side of conservation.
They are also one of the National Amenity Societies who may need to be consulted on significant changes to listed church buildings.
They have a free telephone advice line for technical advice:
- SPAB Techncial Advice Line (9.30am-12.30pm)
- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 0207 456 0916
The Georgian Group
One of the National Amenity Societies who advise on buildings of the period 1700 to 1837. They may need to be consulted on significant changes to listed churches or fittings of this period.
The Victorian Society
One of the National Amenity Societies who advise on buildings of the period 1837 to 1914. They may need to be consulted on significant changes to listed churches or fittings of this period.
The Twentieth Century Society
One of the National Amenity Societies who advise on buildings of the period from 1914 to the present day. They may need to be consulted on significant changes to listed churches or fixtures and fittings from this period.