St. Michael D'Rupe, Brentor.
Brentor is approximately 4 miles freom the ancient market and stannary
town of Tavistock. There is a regular bus service from Tavistock to
Brentor via Mary Tavy.
It should be on the list of anyone who enjoys rambling and wishes their
route to take them along picturesque country lanes and occasional
stretches of open moorland. Local guide books will help to ensure
an enjoyable walk.
Of particular note is the tiny church of St. Michael Du Rupe.
This tiny church sits atop of Brent Tor where it dominates the countryside
for miles around. The tor is in fact is all that remains of a volcano. The outer parts of the volcano have weathered away and the core plug remains.
St. Michael D'Rupe, Brentor.
The church is 37ft long and just under 15ft wide, and has a belfry.
The tower was struck by lightning in 1995 and extensive repairs
have been carried out.
This quaint little church atop the tor is a must for tourists, whether on foot or by car. The views from the summit, which is just a gentle climb of short duration, are magnificent. See for yourself! There is a steep way up for those who like to climb!
One legend associated with the church is that the devil threw down the stones when the builders began construction at the top. In the end the builders decided to build at the foot of the tor. The devil, being very contrary, threw the stones to the top where they formed themselves into the church!
It is also reputed to have been built by a sailor who promised to build a church on the first point of land he saw after a bad storm at sea!
The church is also said to be located on very important ley lines and is just the place for those who enjoy dowsing these magical lines of force. Lots of people try it here!
The book "The Sun and the Serpent" gives lots of details about the ley lines at this site. There are signs of prehistoric hut circles and old trial workings for minerals nearby. Ochre was once produced at Brentor.
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