Altarnun facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Altarnun
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| Population | 4,038 (Civil Ward, 2001) 1,100 (2021 Census including Bowithick) |
| OS grid reference | SX 223 812 |
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| Region | |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | LAUNCESTON |
| Postcode district | PL15 |
| Dialling code | 01566 |
| Police | Devon and Cornwall |
| Fire | Cornwall |
| Ambulance | South Western |
| EU Parliament | South West England |
| UK Parliament |
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Altarnun (/ˌɔːltərˈnʌn, ˌɒl-/; AWL-tər-NUN-,_-OL--; Standard Written Form: Alternonn) is a village and civil parish in Cornwall, England. It is located about 7 kilometers west of Launceston. You can find it on the north-eastern edge of Bodmin Moor.
The parish of Altarnun is very large. It includes the village of Fivelanes and other small communities. These include Bolventor, Treween, and Trewint. In 2011, about 1,084 people lived in the parish. The wider area, called the Altarnun ward, had a population of 4,038. This makes Altarnun the largest parish in Cornwall by area. It covers about 15,018 acres (60.77 square kilometers).
The village sits in the valley of the Penpont Water river. A large forest, Wilsey Down Forest, is also in the area. The main A30 road cuts through the parish. Fivelanes was once an important stop for stage coaches.
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Exploring Altarnun's Historic Church
The church in Altarnun is very old and special. A Norman church was first built here in the 12th century. The church you see today was mostly built in the 15th century. It was made from large stones called "moorstone" found on Bodmin Moor. The church is named after St Nonna. She was the mother of St David, a famous Welsh saint.
A Celtic cross from St Nonna's time stands near the church gate. Other old crosses are found around the parish. These include "Short Cross" and Sanctuary Cross.
The Cathedral of the Moor
The Church of St Nonna is the largest parish church on Bodmin Moor. Because of its size, it is known as the 'Cathedral of the Moor'. It was built in a style called Perpendicular. Its tall bell tower stands about 33 meters (109 feet) high.
Inside, the church has a beautiful Norman font. A font is a basin used for baptisms. It also has very old wooden carvings. These include the screen, bench-ends, and communion rails. The screen is from the 15th century and is one of the best in Cornwall. It has three gates and detailed carvings of vines.
John Wesley's Visits
John Wesley was a famous preacher who often visited Trewint. He stayed in the home of Digory Isbell. This house is now a museum about Wesley and Methodism. The old Altarnun Wesleyan chapel has a carving of Wesley above its door. This carving was made by Neville Northey Burnard when he was only sixteen years old.
Culture and Stories of Altarnun
Altarnun is featured in the famous novel Jamaica Inn. This book was written by Daphne du Maurier. The story is set in a former coaching house in the parish. This coaching house is also called Jamaica Inn.
Cornish Wrestling Tradition
Cornish wrestling is a traditional sport. Tournaments for prizes were held in Fivelanes during the 1800s. This shows a part of the local history and culture.
Notable People from Altarnun
- Frances Elizabeth Tripp (1832–1890) was a British expert on mosses and liverworts. She grew up in Altarnun. Her father was the vicar, or priest, of the church here.
- Neville Northey Burnard (1818–1878) was a well-known sculptor. He was born in Altarnun.
