St Leonard's Tower

A square red sandstone tower standing alone in the middle of the town square, all that survives of a medieval chapel. The chapel itself was demolished in 1836; the tower was kept because it was already a landmark and a clock had been added to it. It is small but disproportionately important — this is the spot where William of Orange's proclamation was first read in 1688.

The tower is not open to visitors but it sits in a pleasant pedestrian area surrounded by cafes and shops, and is the obvious meeting point in the centre of town. A plaque on the wall explains the William of Orange connection. Worth a quick stop on the way through.

things to do sight historic
A story
In November 1688 the Dutch William of Orange landed at Brixham and marched inland — a herald read out his Declaration of Reasons from these very steps in Newton Abbot, the first English town to publicly proclaim the new king. The Glorious Revolution arguably began here.