Blisland facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Blisland
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 Blisland Parish Church |
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| Population | 608 (United Kingdom Census 2011 including Bradford and Lank) |
| OS grid reference | SX101732 |
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| Unitary authority | |
| Ceremonial county | |
| Region | |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | BODMIN |
| Postcode district | PL30 |
| Dialling code | 01208 |
| Police | Devon and Cornwall |
| Fire | Cornwall |
| Ambulance | South Western |
| EU Parliament | South West England |
| UK Parliament |
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Blisland (Cornish: Blyslann) is a small village in Cornwall, England. It is also a civil parish, which is a local government area. Blisland is about five miles northeast of Bodmin.
In 2011, the village and parish had a population of 608 people. The area around Blisland is mostly countryside. The northern part is moorland, which is open, uncultivated land. The southern part has lower-lying farmland.
Several small communities are part of Blisland parish. These include Bradford, Keybridge, Merry Meeting, Pendrift, Tresarrett, and Waterloo. Blisland is known for having a village green, which is a common open space.
Contents
What's in a Name? The Story of Blisland's Name
How Blisland Got Its Name
The name "Blisland" has a long history. It's not completely clear how the name first came about. The earliest known spelling was Bleselonde in 1284. This name seems to include the Old English word "land," meaning "estate."
However, the first part of the name is a bit of a mystery. Some old documents from the 1100s used names like Bloiston. This suggests the first part might be an old Celtic name.
In the Domesday Book from 1086, the area was called Gluston. It probably changed from Bluston to Blisland around the 1200s.
Blisland's Past: History and Old Treasures
Ancient Sites and Old Buildings
Blisland is home to some very old and interesting sites. On Blisland Manor Common, you can find the Trippet stones. This is a prehistoric stone circle. On Hawkstor Down, there is another ancient monument called the Stripple stones. This is a type of henge, which is a circular earthwork.
The village also has some historic houses. Blisland Manor House dates back to the 1500s. Lavethan House was built in the mid-1600s. Trewardale House was built in 1773 and made bigger in 1839. Lavethan House even has parts from the 1400s.
You can also see old bridges made of granite. These are called clapper bridges. The ones at Bradford and Poleys Bridge (over the River Camel) were built in 1839.
Stone Crosses and Special Rocks
Blisland parish has many ancient stone crosses. These crosses were often used as markers or religious symbols long ago. In 1896, twelve stone crosses were recorded in the area. Some are at St Pratt's Well and Lavethan. Others are found at places like Cross Park and Trewardale.
There's also a special rock called Jubilee Rock on Pendrift Common. It's a large boulder with carvings on it. Nearby, there used to be a Logan stone. This is a huge rock that could be rocked back and forth. It stopped moving sometime in the 1700s.
The Giant Waterwheel
At a place called Durfold, there was once a huge waterwheel. It was 50 feet tall! This wheel was built in 1865. It was used to power a pump at a china clay works far away in Temple. The waterwheel was moved from the Isle of Man to Cornwall. It was a big job to bring it by sea and rail, then haul it to Durfold.
Places of Worship and Learning
Blisland Parish Church
The main church in Blisland is the parish church. It is dedicated to Saints Hyacinth and Protus. Locals often call the saint "St Pratt." The church is very old, with parts dating back to the Norman times.
The church has been beautifully restored. Famous architects like Ninian Comper worked on it. Many people, including the poet John Betjeman, have praised its beauty and peaceful atmosphere. Inside, you can see an old brass plaque from the 1400s. It remembers John Balsam, who was once the rector (priest) here.
St Catherine's Church, Temple
In the nearby area of Temple, there is another church called St Catherine's. This church used to be a separate parish church. But in 1934, the parish of Temple joined with Blisland.
Blisland Primary School
Blisland Primary School is located just outside the village. It is in a small community called Waterloo, right on the edge of Bodmin Moor.
Cornish Wrestling in Blisland
In the 1800s, Blisland was a place where Cornish wrestling tournaments were held. People would compete for prizes in this traditional sport.
Famous People from Blisland
- Churton Fairman (1924–1997), also known as Mike Raven. He was a radio DJ, a sculptor, and an actor.
- John MacLean. He was a historian and an expert in family history.
Images for kids
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Blisland Parish Church interior
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Parish Church: doorway
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Rood screen (detail), part of Comper and Eden's restoration work
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Trehudreth Mill
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