Mount Dinham is situated on a vertical volcanic outcrop just outside the Roman city wall, overlooking the Exe valley. Like many mounts with sacred sites and churches dedicated to St Michael the Archangel, Mount Dinham has a special atmosphere and energy. The surrounding neighborhood is a diverse and lively mix of residential, commercial, educational, community and charitable organisations, transport infrastructure and parks, all within walking distance of Exeter Cathedral and town centre.

John Dinham was a local philanthropist who came from humble beginnings. Born in 1788 to the south of Exeter in the nearby in the village of Kenton, his father was the farm bailiff at Powderham Castle, the ancestral home of the Earl of Devon. As a young man he worked as a grocer, for a chemist, and in the silver trade. Following the death of his first wife, Dinham married again in 1831 and became a member of the Church of England.

Subsequently, John Dinham’s fortunes changed and he transformed a tea importing business with the help of his friends. He became a wealthy philanthropist and founded several developments on Mount Dinham to provide for the inhabitants of the city. He built forty two Free Cottages above Weir Cliff, in 1860, as retirement homes for the poor. As well as these Alms houses, Dinham built a school and St Michael and All Angels church itself.

Today, St Michael’s enjoys links and partnerships with all of the local organisations you see on this page, and more. Please contact us if you would like to be listed here.

The collection of Parish Magazines at the foot of this page are an archive of publications produced by members of the former Parish of St Davids with St Michael & All Angels. On 25th September 2024, St Michael’s became a Conventional District Church within the Diocese of Exeter. The Patron of St Michael’s is the Dean & Chapter of Exeter Cathedral.