St Peter, St Paul & St Thomas - Bovey Tracey - Devon
A church building has stood at the top of Bovey Tracey since Saxon times, and may have been burnt down in a Viking raid. The present building is mostly medieval.
Bovey's most infamous son, Sir William Tracey was one of the four knights commanded by King Henry II to murder Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury in 1170. His family rebuilt the church in penance for his crimes. Despite some damage during the Civil War many fine medieval features such as the rood screen remain.
The church was further extended in the 19th Century by Canon Courtenay who also founded the church of St John the Evangelist at the southern end of the town.
The previous generation of lighting was based around the use of 30 year old sodium combined up/down lights which had, over a period of time, fallen into a state of disrepair as the lamps and component parts had been phased out of production. Some ad hoc retrofit Led lamps had been fitted but the quality and quantity of light they produced was never really appropriate for this fine Church.
The new lighting installation comprises latest generation LED light fittings of various power outputs and focal beam widths.
This is controlled by a DALI dimmable scene setting system which gives many lighting variations ranging from specific service scenes to settings for film screenings and concerts all at the touch of a button.
The main areas of the Church were completely rewired using the requisite fireproof cabling with all of the redundant cabling removed, all cable routes were agreed with the Churches inspecting architect.
Following the relighting works, a grant became available to assist with the costs of a new electric heating scheme and when the Dac representatives returned to the Church to discuss the heating proposals, they were very complimentary about the new lighting. especially the manner in which the new wiring had been installed which had minimal, if any visual impact on the interior of the Church.
The new lighting control system has proved exceptionally straightforward for the congregation to use. General uplighting and downlighting, along with the precise spotlighting of individual features and items of liturgical furniture, can all be adjusted with fine control.
A small group of volunteers attended a short training session following the installation, after which they were able to manage the system confidently and effectively.
The system's reputation for ease of use and reliable controllability has already been demonstrated in practice. Those trained have been pleased to show visitors and neighbouring churches just how intuitive the controls are, offering a practical example of how modern lighting technology can be integrated seamlessly into a historic setting.
The Rood Screen
One of the oldest elements of the church building, the rood screen was donated by Margeret de Beaufort in 1471.
The Church is particularly proud of their decorated screen and they are aware how many people visit just to look at it.
The request to illuminate a small section of it in the South aisle for visitors produced excellent visual results through the careful installation of appropriate spotlights with very high rendering characteristics.
Viewed through the carved rood screen, the Lady Chapel forms a calm and dignified backdrop. The newly installed LED lighting highlights the altar with a clear, steady focus, enhancing the chapel's architectural lines without overwhelming them.
Additional LED illumination within the window reveal subtly draws out the depth and detailing of the stonework. Together, these elements create a composed and harmonious vista that complements the Church while showcasing the quality and sensitivity of the new lighting.
The introduction of performance lighting has transformed the front of the nave into a flexible and expressive space, capable of supporting everything from intimate readings to larger musical performances. Carefully positioned fixtures cast a controlled, welcoming light across the area, allowing those who speak, sing, or perform to be seen with clarity and warmth.
These new lighting elements work in harmony with the magnificent rood screen behind them, ensuring that the historic craftsmanship remains a dignified and awe‑inspiring backdrop. The result is a beautifully balanced setting where modern capability enhances, rather than competes with, the church's remarkable heritage.
The Organ
The church's fine three‑manual organ, installed in 1889, now benefits greatly from the newly introduced LED lighting and scene‑setting system.
The carefully directed illumination brings the organ pipes into clear prominence, revealing the detail of their craftsmanship and the elegance of their arrangement.
What was once a modest visual backdrop now becomes a confident focal point within the nave, with the lighting enhancing both the architectural presence of the instrument and the musical richness it contributes to worship and performance.
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