It is thought that a church has stood in the current location since Saxon times, the present building dates from the fifteenth century (1420-30).

Sir Walter Swyft, church vicar from January 1349, is believed to have fallen victim to the Black Death, as he held the vicariate for only three months.

In 1653 the Plymouth Puritans wreaked their revenge on Eggbuckland, destroying many religious artifacts and turning out the 80 year old vicar.

A Governor was appointed in 1819 to administer the five Parish work houses situated at the north of the church.

The pinnacles of the church were rebuilt in 1864 and the church was enlarged with the building of the north aisle and chancel.  The clock was installed in 1901 in memory of Charles Turner who had been Vicar for 40 years.

In 1906 the new church vestries were completed, including a new organ chamber and other improvements.

1914 saw the Consecration of the new church at Laira (St Mary the Virgin), replacing the Crabtree Mission Church (which had opened in November 1874). The new building was a daughter church of St Edward's and stayed within the parish until 1931(when the city boundaries were redrawn).

Below is a 360^o degree view from the church tower:
(Please be patient for the picture to load, click and drag to move left and right!)