St Petrock's Church, Exeter, Medieval church in Cathedral Yard, England
St Petrock's Church is a medieval church in Exeter that stretches between High Street and Cathedral Close, containing a layout shaped by centuries of building work. Inside, you find multiple aisles and architectural details from different periods woven throughout.
After the Norman Conquest in 1066, William the Conqueror designated this church as one of about 30 to receive public support through a system of taxation. By 1286, when the cathedral precinct was enclosed for security, the building played a different role in the city's layout.
The church functions as both a house of worship and a shelter for homeless people, reflecting how it serves different needs in the community. It has become a place where spiritual and practical support come together for local residents.
The church is open Monday through Friday from 10 am to 4 pm, with Saturday offering the same hours for visitors. You can enter from either High Street or from the Cathedral Close side, depending on which approach suits you.
The building once served as a passage linking the city streets with the cathedral precinct before it was enclosed for protection in 1286. This connecting role reveals how integral the church was to the city's movement and layout.
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