St Stephen's Church, High Street

St Stephens Church on the High Street in central Exeter, may have been built by a wealthy patron for the use of his family. The church was first mentioned in the 1086 Domesday book, although the crypt, unearthed in the 19th century is probably of Saxon origin.

In 1658, Cromwell decreed that all churches in Exeter be closed apart from four. St Stephen's drew the short straw and was sold to Toby Allen for £250, to be used as a stable.

Four years later, when the monarchy was restored, St Stephen's was in the process of restoration at a cost of £500 when it was destroyed by fire. In 1664, the people of the parish rebuilt the church, financed by city merchant and alderman, George Potter.

Damaged by incendiary

The building was largely unscathed during the bombing of May 1942 apart from a fire which caused the bells to fall to the floor. They were shattered, but the bronze from their remains have been recast into a new bell. In July 2007, contractors who had stripped the roof tiles in preparation for restoring the church roof were surpised by the roof timbers which showed considerable fire damage, and in some places, were mostly charcoal. Further investigation indicated that after the bombing of May 1942, the roof had caught fire, unbeknown to anyone, and smouldered for many months, or even years before naturally burning out.

Situated in the High Street, St Stephen's is now part of the Central Exeter Parish. It offers the weary shopper, coffee, charitable events and exhibitions during the day. There is an appeal for funds to restore the interior of the church, and plans to open up the area behind the altar, that is over St Stephens Bow, and also install a glass observation panel in the floor to allow the crypt to be viewed.