St Stephens was one of several churches built in Exeter after AD 900; it has a distinctive bow and is unusual because it has a crypt. It survived the civil war in the 1640’s untouched, but later in1660 it suffered a fire, and was rebuilt courtesy of the generosity of a Mr George Potter who gave £500, a fortune in those days for its rebuilding. Exeter was a prosperous city, with the church at the heart of the wool and cloth business. A Mrs Back was known to have sold Sassafras tea under the bow to passers-by, how charming that sounds. In the 19th century repairs were carried out, including replacing the pews and the builders discovered remains in the Saxon crypt.
The safety of the west Gallery was debated in the early 20th century, but it was saved from demolition and was later used by the YMCA, when it was packed with worshippers.
Its tower was damaged in1942 but several of the nearby churches were totally destroyed, so once again the church’s congregation grew. In my memory it has been very much a place for the community that has coffee mornings, concerts and art exhibitions. It was in need of restoration and a major fund raising effort was staged – the St Stephens project. More serious war damage than expected was found, and eventually £1.5 million was raised over 9 years. During the rebuild 52 gravestones and an ancient charnel pit were found. The ancient gallery has been recreated and the whole building has become a place of understated beauty. It has survived its 1000 years and is now a valuable legacy for the city.
When I went into town on Saturday it was with Jake’s Sunday Post in mind. Once again I only had my phone camera. I walked down the High Street and something drew me into St Stephens, I hadn’t seen it for a year or two. I’m so glad I stopped, the transformation is staggering, from a pleasant but slightly worn and dim place to one which, I’m sure you will agree, is truly splendid.
My bits of history are from an audio visual presentation in the church. If ever you are in Exeter, add it to your list of places to visit, you never know you may time when there is teas and cake, or a lunchtime recital on offer. Pop over to http://jakesprinters.wordpress.com/2012/08/04/sunday-post-splendid/ for some more splendid offerings and have a lovely week everyone.
Lucid Gypsy 
Great work Gilly, Thanks for sharing your stunning splendid photography 🙂
Thanks for the tour and information, Gilly. It felt like I was with a museum docent. You gave a concise but very detailed description of this church.Your photo’s are fantastic. So very clear and showcasing the perfect items to create your “Splendid” exhibition. Beautiful …!!!!
Toodles,
Issy
P.S. Where are all the people??/ Did you shoo them away??? LOL
You take great photographs. Thank you, I enjoyed this tour too.
1000 years of history. Thanks to the townspeople for allowing that to happen through their commitment to preserving this historical site. I enjoyed the lesson and photos.Thank you, Gilly.
Awesome! Always nice to hear when any piece of history are being restored, and not destroyed.
Camera phone, huh!?. You got skills. 😀
the restoration looks beautiful, so light, that window is sublime! thanks for all the information too, a thousand year old building is something we aussies can hardly comprehend … well done definitely Splendid! those little phone cameras are amazing, and so much lighter than the big ones! i dont even have a mobile phone since we have no reception here …
You TOTALLY captured the airy nature of that church!! Beautiful pictures!
Nothing more amazing that takes your breath away than entering a beautiful and grand church. Splendid indeed! Have a great day my friend.
Ah that is nice to see. I haven’t seen it in person, but I would like to. I’ve never had Sassafras tea. That sounds fun!
A splendid place indeed, Gilly. I love that fourth photo. So beautiful. Great entry for the theme; I must put on my thinking cap. 😉
Not been to Exeter. Looks like a good reason, Gilly.
We love churches etc and will keep in mind 😉
The modernized altar in your first photo is stunning – and I’m glad they kept the ancient font as a counterpoint! What a beautiful church, and what wonderful photos you take.
Absolutely stunning photos and thank you for the bit of history
Gilly wow – so glad you stopped in. Haven’t they made this a wonderful building to enjoy. Great they breathed life in to it again
Awesome!
Oh, my, this really is splendid! I’m so glad the community has worked so hard to restore this wonderful church and preserve it’s heritage. Your pictures are “splendid” as well, even if they were from “just” your phone camera.