It was constructed in the 15th-century as part of a Gothic-style church and was the site of William III's first proclamation in England (although he had not yet become king).

The adjoining nave was demolished in 1836 to improve traffic flows but the tower was saved by a local petition.

On the east face of the lower stage the roof line of the former nave can be discerned in the stonework; below this is a small trefoil-topped window.

[2][1] A church had sat on this site, in the centre of Newton Abbot and the meeting point of its three main streets, since 1220 and is mentioned in a surviving document of 29 May 1350.

[2] In 1688, William III of Orange during the Glorious Revolution made his first proclamation in England from the market cross to the immediate east of the church.