ST Leonard's Tower, one of the oldest buildings in Newton Abbot, has opened for the summer. The 13th century tower, known to locals as the clock tower, will open every Wednesday from 10.30am - 1pm until the end of August. It will also be open on Heritage Day in early September. Ken Bellamy, tower keeper, said the gothic landmark was particularly popular with Swiss, Finnish, Danish and Dutch visitors, who liked to see where Prince William of Orange made his famous declaration in 1699. Among Williams' vast retinue were soldiers from each of those countries, not to mention '200 negroes wearing plumes of feathers'. Tradition has it that after landing in Brixham on November 5, he halted at the Old Market Cross, to declare his intention to restore the liberties and protestant religion to England. The Catholic King James II had fled and William and Mary took over the throne in what became known as The Glorious Revolution. Inside, visitors can see a set of well-used stocks, used to punish minor offences. Two relics of the original St Leonard's Church remain: a smallish screen and what was allegedly the south door to the chapel.
