Autumn Meeting and AGM 2026 (Buildings Section)

Plympton St Mary’s history is deeply intertwined with Plympton Priory, one of Devon’s wealthiest Anglo-Saxon and medieval religious houses. Originally established in the 9th century, it was later refounded as an Augustinian Priory in 1121 and became a major economic force until its dissolution in 1539. Plympton St Mary’s Church was consecrated in 1311 and was built on the Priory’s burial grounds.

Plympton was one of Devon’s four stannary towns and a main town for transporting the tin mined on Dartmoor down the river Plym. Pilgrims about to embark for Santiago de Compostela in Spain were given refuge in the church as the river then reached the Church tower.

• 10.30: Arrival at Harewood House Community Centre. Tea or coffee will be provided.
• 11.00: Talk by Professor James Clark ‘The Dissolution of Plympton Priory and its Impact’.
  James Clark is a Professor of History at the University of Exeter, specialising in medieval and Tudor England. He is best known for his award-winning book The Dissolution of the Monasteries: A New History
• 12.15: Buffet lunch in Harewood House
• 1.15: Buildings Section AGM
• 2.00: A short walk down the hill to visit Plympton St Mary Church and the remains of the Priory in the Church’s grounds.

The entry fee includes buffet lunch, tea and coffee.

Parking. There is free car parking in Market Road car park directly across from St Mary’s Church. There is free car parking for 3 hours in the Ridgeway car park next to Harewood House, but you must obtain a free ticket from the parking terminal and display it on your dashboard.

Accessibility. Harewood House is all level access. There is approximately a 200 yard pavemented walk downhill from Harewood House to St Mary’s Church and the Priory grounds. The paths at the Church are generally flat, with one set of steps and some walking on uneven areas including on grass, especially at the Priory.

For further details and how to book contact the Organiser (details below)