Church of St Gregory

Church of St Gregory is the parish church of Seaton, a seaside town in East Devon, and the only building in the town to hold the highest heritage rating, Grade I. It stands on Colyford Road and has been on the national list since 2 October 1951.

What is the Church of St Gregory in Seaton?

It is an Anglican parish church whose oldest fabric goes back to the Middle Ages. Most accounts place its construction in the late 13th and early 14th centuries, and some local church material simply describes it as a 14th-century building. A few travel listings give a 12th-century date, but this conflicts with the heritage and church sources, so the later dating is the safer one to rely on.

Why is it listed Grade I?

Grade I is reserved for buildings of exceptional interest, and only a small share of listed buildings in England receive it. In Seaton, St Gregory's is the single example. The rating reflects its age, its medieval structure and the way later centuries have added to it without erasing the original character.

How did the church change over time?

Like many English parish churches, St Gregory's grew in stages. The tower was added in the 15th century, well after the main body of the church was built. In 1860 the building was restored by Edward Ashworth of Exeter, an ecclesiastical architect who worked on many churches in the region. Restorations of this kind were common in the Victorian period and often shaped the interior and finish that visitors see today.

What is worth looking for inside?

• The "Water of Life" window. A stained-glass window created for the millennium, which gives the church a contemporary element alongside its medieval walls.
• Two 17th-century carved canopies. These are displayed in glass cases, which makes it easy to look at the woodcarving at close range.
• The organ. The instrument was installed by T. C. Lewis, a renowned 19th-century organ builder. Its decorative spotted pipes are on show.

How does it fit into a visit to Seaton?

Seaton is known for its seafront and its position on the Jurassic Coast of East Devon. The church is a quieter, historical counterpoint to the beach: a short stop for anyone interested in medieval architecture, Victorian restoration, stained glass or church music. As with any working parish church, opening times can vary, and services take priority, so it is sensible to check locally before planning a visit.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Church of St Gregory in Seaton a listed building? Yes. It is Grade I listed, and it is the only Grade I building in Seaton.

When was it built? Most sources date it to the late 13th and early 14th centuries, with the tower added in the 15th century.

Who restored it? Edward Ashworth of Exeter carried out a restoration in 1860.

What are its best-known features? The millennium "Water of Life" window, two carved 17th-century canopies in glass cases, and the T. C. Lewis organ with its spotted pipes.

Where is it? On Colyford Road in Seaton, East Devon, England.

Is it an active church? It is the parish church of the town, so it is used for worship. Check current opening arrangements before you go.