The Gervase Exe Bridge had a church at the St Thomas end, similar to St Edmund's Church at the opposite end. However, flowing river on this side often flooded the church situated on the bridge and eventually swept it away. In 1412, the new church of St Thomas Becket was built on a safer high ground.

In 1549 the vicar, Robert Welshe joined the Catholic rebels and the Prayer book rebellion who laid siege to Exeter for around thirty five days, from the west side of the river. After the rebellion failed, the vicar was captured, and hung from the tower of this church, for treason. His body hung there till Mary succeeded her brother Edward VI in 1553. In 1645, the tower crashed to the ground when the church was destroyed by the Royalist defenders of the city during the Civil War.

The present church, built of local red sandstone, dates from 1657 when its name was changed from St Thomas the Martyr to very protestant, St Thomas the Apostle. The church, in the Perpendicular style has a nave, transepts, aisles, a north porch and a tower with pinnacles. The tower contains 6 bells.

When the church was undergoing restoration in 1871, Mr Frederick Drake was selected to make a stained glass window of the Incredulity of St. Thomas the Apostle. All in all, it is one of the most famous spots in Exeter and is located on a very vibrant street in the city. Do not give it a miss.

• Be appropriately dressed for the church.
• Find out about the history of the church to have a better experience.

• Entry is free.

• Find out about mass timings from the locals.

• 1. 7 miles from Exeter Central. 1.9 miles from St David`s. A car can be rented.

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