As the population grew in relation to increased local agricultural work and mining operations, eighteen residents of the estate put forward a petition in 1845 calling for a church to be built.

St Luke's was built by the order of the Commissioners of Woods and Forests, at a time when the estate was owned by Frederick Knight, who inherited it from his father in 1850.

[6] In 1818, as part of the Inclosure Act 1773, a 12-acre plot of land was reserved by the Crown for the construction of a church if future development of Exmoor required a place of worship for its inhabitants.

Robert Eden, 3rd Baron Auckland, on 18 October 1856, who attended with the Chancellor of the Diocese and other local members of the clergy, including those of surrounding parishes.

[6] St Luke's is built of local Blue Lias, with Bath stone dressings and a slate roof, in an Early English style.