In 1335 John de Grandisson purchased the manor of Ottery from the Cathedral of Rouen and began building the College he had planned as a sanctuary for piety and learning whilst also enlarging the existing parish church. The College was formally inaugurated at Christmas 1337 and the magnificent church, modelled on Grandisson's beloved cathedral at Exeter, was finished about five years later. Grandisson's 'perpetual foundation' fell victim to the Reformation in 1545. Its contents were plundered or destroyed and many of its buildings were demolished to provide building materials. The collegiate church itself survived because it was also used as the parish church. The Image of St Mary's is incorporated in our logo together with that of the poet and philosopher, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, who was born in Ottery in 1772 and whose father was vicar and master of the King`s School.

The Society's purpose is to promote interest in the rich heritage, local history and culture of the town of Ottery St. Mary and its surrounding area.