St Mary’s, Cofton DHCT Case Study
Where: St Mary’s, Cofton
Location: Google Maps
The Works: Repairs as per Quinquennial Report
DHCT Grant Awarded: £3,000
Total Project Fund: £12985 excl vat
Date of DHCT Grant Award: October 2025
Project Start: September 2025
Project End: October 2025
Overview
Originally a C13 chapel which fell into ruin and became a dissenting chapel in the C17, St Mary’s was restored and brought back into use in 1839 by William Courtenay, 10th Earl of Devon (1777-1859) of Powderham Castle. Charles Fowler was the architect at that time. North aisle added in 1864. Built of stone rubble, the lower part of the walls is mediaeval. Slate roof. Renewed lancet windows. Aisle and porch are late C19. It is Grade II Listed – Entry Number 1164212.
St Mary’s, Cofton is a small, attractive listed building nestled in one corner of the parish of Cofton. This parish includes the village of Cockwood, half a mile down the lane, the hamlet of Eastdon, and Dawlish Warren with its holiday parks and new developments. It has weekly services, is visited by holidaymakers and is used by the local village school.
The Grant Application & Project
A Quinquennial fabric report found numerous concerns and a property conservation and renovation company provided a quotation. We are a small parish and whilst fundraising and drawing on reserves assisted us, we were extremely grateful to receive a grant from Devon Historic Churches Trust for £3,000.00 towards our essential repairs which included:
– External vestry walls – removing cement pointing and repoint with lime and sharp sand mortar.
– Internal vestry walls – removing existing cement render back to stone, replaster in lime mortar and redecorate with heritage paint.
– Window guards – removing broken and rusted window guards and replacing them with stainless steel, powder coated black window guards.
– Window supports – removing corroded metal stained glass supports, making good any damage to the window reveals and replacing the supports with stainless steel ones.
The PCC is extremely thankful for the contribution made by Devon Historic Churches Trust to enable us to keep our beautiful church cared for for future generations
Gallery
