The ancient settlement of Halwell is situated on high ground  on the A381 Totnes to Kingsbridge road. The parish is mentioned in the Domesday Book as Hagewile.This name may be derived from the ‘Holy Well’ which is still to be found in the Churchyard. It is possible the well was in use in Celtic times.

The parish contains the earthwork enclosures of  the two hillforts of Stanborough Camp and Halwell Camp. Stanborough Camp , possibly dating from the Iron Age, was the meeting place for the Stanborough Hundred. Due to its elevated position there were good views of part of the South Devon coast making it a good defensive position and giving early warning of any invasion. It was important  in the 10th. century as one of the burhs of Devon but by the 11th. century it had lost this position to Totnes with the building of Totnes Castle on the orders of the Normans following the conquest of the area. 

The parish Church is dedicated to St. Leonard. The exact date of the Church is unknown but parts are possibly from the late 15th. Century.  The tower is of slate. The rest of the Church contains a lot of granite. Especially noteworthy is the arcade between the Nave and the North Aisle of granite piers and semicircular arches .The box pews probably date from the  early 19th. century. 

Churchwarden:  Rose Palmer 

Email: office@3rivers.org.uk

Halwell Parish Safeguarding Representative:  Helen Reeve Tel: 01548 821305 Email: hmparishnews@hotmail.co.uk

Rector Revd David Sayle Email:  parish_sayle@me.com

All our churches can be found on the Church of England website: https://www.achurchnearyou.com/