St Michael and All Angels Church

During the Civil War, the Royalist forces led by Lord Hopton used Torrington as a "supply dump" but soon afterwards word reached them that the Parliamentarians were on the way from Exeter with a large contingent of men. The Royalist forces held up well but Cromwell's forces were soon outmatched. Prince Charles, who had taken part in the Royalist advance, was sent back to London by Hopton. 50 Royalist men were held prisoner in the church when the building was ripped apart by a huge explosion; this was the supply of Royalist gunpowder which was in the basement. The town itself suffered severe damage but very few Roundheads were killed. Ultimately, Hopton was arrested. Since then, spectral Royalists have been seen here in the church and the area, sitting around and talking.

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