The church is open during daylight hours and offers a peaceful atmosphere away from the busy world. It has a welcoming feel and the excellent lighting shows the wonderful roof carvings; the ringing chamber is open so you can see the ancient ‘hatchments’ and unusual memorial. Take a look at the 18th century clock on your left by the tower doors– it had languished in the clock tower for generations before being lovingly restored.
Exciting news!
The church has been awarded a Certificate of Merit in Devon’s CPRE Best Churchyard Competition 2023.
There is detailed information on the Devon ChurchLands site. In addition to fascinating information, it has wonderful photos.
As our Rector, Marc Kerslake is on sabbatical, the services in the mission community have been re-arranged to allow fair cover to all the churches. We will have two services a month, both starting at 11am. Do look at the other churches for – particularly Clyst Hydon – for other services.
January 2026 services
4th – no service but check the Mission Community site for services locally
11th – 11am Morning Worship
18th – no service but check the Mission Community site for services locally
25th – 11am Holy Communion
February 2026 services
1st – no service but check the Mission Community site for services locally
8th – 11am Morning Worship
15th – no service but check the Mission Community site for services locally
22nd – 11am Holy Communion
St James the Great Church, Talaton
The church looking great at Christmas
Key Information:
- To know Christ and to make Him known
- Services twice a month
- Holy Communion and Morning Worship
- Bell ringing
- Church open during daylight hours
- Our Rector is Marc Kerslake 01404 822525
- St James the Great Church, Church Road, Talaton, EX5 2RL What3Words folds.actual.forwarded
- Churchwarden is Charlie Hutchings pcc@larkbeare.net
- Toddlers group - first and third Friday each month. 10.30am to noon
- Toilet available during services
- Fantastic LED lighting
- Eco Church Bronze Award
- Wi-fi
- More details on Devon Churchland
- Safeguarding issues contact administrator@eastclystchurches.org
- Card reader in church
About the Church:
Nestled in one of Devon’s best kept villages – Talaton – St James the Great Church is open every day during daylight hours. The church at Talaton is a very fine Grade I building, outstanding even in an area of the country graced with many other beautiful churches. For nearly a thousand years there has been a place of Christian worship at this site and it is fairly certain that a small Norman church stood here in the 12th century. Its late Norman font still stands in the current church, much of which dates from the 15th century, replacing a smaller, simpler church.
Weekly Services
We offer friendly services, open to all, throughout the year:
First Sunday: No service here but check this link for what’s on in the other churches
Second Sunday: 11am Morning Worship
Third Sunday: No service here but check this link for what’s on in the other churches
Fourth Sunday: 11am Holy Communion
Coffee is usually served after each service
There is a long tradition of displaying a portrait of the Monarch in public buildings and we have one in the North Aisle.
The photograph of His Majesty was taken in autumn 2023 in Windsor Castle by photographer Hugo Burnand.
His Majesty is shown in the uniform of an Admiral of the Fleet (No. 1 Tailcoat) and is wearing the Garter Collar and Sovereign’s Badge, Garter Star, Thistle Star, the Bath Sovereign’s Badge, the Order of Merit, The Royal Victorian Order’s Royal Victorian Chain and GCVO Sash, as well as a set of medals on his medal bar.
