700th anniversary festivities for St Eustachius’

Red balloons and a specially-iced cake at a Dedication Festival in May marked 700 years since the foundation stone was laid at St Eustachius’ in 1318. The first reference to a parish church in Tavistock dates from around 1265, but the current building (or much of it) was finished in 1318, built during the tenure of Robert Champeaux, then Abbot of the Benedictine Abbey of St Mary and St Rumon. In June the festivities continued with ‘700 Years of Faith, Fellowship and Fun!’, a vibrant summer exhibition of flowers and exhibits presented by church and local community groups, societies and businesses.

On 15th and 16th September the Patronal Festival (the feast of Saint Eustachius) will be celebrated with a choral evensong, as well as guided tours and a lecture as part of the Heritage Open Days.