St Martins Church - Cathedral Close

This is one of the oldest churches in Exeter and was consecrated by Bishop Leofric on 6th July 1065. As Bishop Leofric came from Burgundy, the church was dedicated to St Martin of Tours, the patron saint of beggars. Some original Anglo-Saxon stonework in the walls remains from this period including the use of Beer stone. The church is on a cramped and skewed site, forcing the nave and chancel onto different axis. Most of the church was refurbished in the late 14th and 15th century, including the windows while the furnishing dates from the 17th and 18th-centuries. The roughcast tower is built of red Heavitree sandstone. The roof is a typical Devon style 'wagon' roof. The porch was added in the 19th century.

Inside, the church has several interesting memorials, including one to the Hooper family. The ten commandments have been found under the paintwork behind the altar. The west window was in a poor state of repair - in the 1970's it was recommended that it be replaced. It was preserved and 75% of the original remains.

The single bell weighs about 11 cwt (550 kilos) and was cast in 1675 by Thomas Pennington III from Exeter. The defunct parish of St Martins stretched from Broadgate to St Martins Lane and the High Street to Cathedral Yard and covered only 1.75 acres (0.7 hectares). In 1821 there were 329 residents in 62 houses - now all the houses are shops and offices.