Charles Church

Charles Church is a Gothic church ruin in Plymouth, now preserved without a roof as a memorial. The remains feature a western tower with spire, a nave with aisles, north and south porches, and a chancel with vestry areas.

The church was built in 1640 and served as Plymouth's second parish church for over 300 years. In March 1941, German incendiary bombs destroyed it during air raids, and the ruins were deliberately left standing afterward.

The roofless shell stands as a memorial to about 1,200 Plymouth residents killed during World War II air raids. Visitors come to reflect on the city's wartime experience and to remember those who died.

The ruins are visible from the Drake Circus area and accessible for viewing from outside. Information panels at the site explain the building's architecture and history to visitors.

The ruin retained its Grade I listed building status despite being deliberately left without a roof. This makes it an unusual example of a historic structure preserved in its raw state rather than being fully restored.

Location: City of Plymouth

Inception: 1640

GPS coordinates: 50.37170,-4.13583

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:54