Forrabury and Minster parish churches facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Materiana's Church, Minster / St Symphorian's Church, Forrabury |
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St Merteriana's Church (Minster)
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| Denomination | Church of England |
| Churchmanship | Broad Church |
| History | |
| Dedication | Saint Materiana / Saint Symphorian |
| Administration | |
| Parish | Forrabury and Minster |
| Deanery | Trigg Minor |
| Archdeaconry | Bodmin |
| Diocese | Truro |
| Province | Canterbury |
The Forrabury and Minster parish churches are two old churches located near the village of Boscastle in Cornwall, England. These churches are part of the same parish, which was formed in 1919. Before that, they were separate areas.
The churches were built a long time ago, even before Boscastle became a main settlement. This happened during the Norman times, when a castle was built there. The original boundary between Forrabury and Minster even crossed the local river.
Contents
Minster Church: A Historic Place
Minster Church is dedicated to Materiana of Cornwall. It is found among the trees of Minster Wood, in the valley of the River Valency. This is about half a mile east of Boscastle.
Building History and Changes
Minster Church was first built during the Norman period. Some parts were added later in the Middle Ages. It also had major repair work done in the 1800s. This church is considered a Grade I listed building, meaning it is very important historically.
The old Celtic name for Minster was Talkarn. It was renamed Minster in Anglo-Saxon times because there used to be a monastery on the site. For many years, the tomb of St Materiana was kept in the church.
Impact of the 2004 Flood
Minster Church was badly damaged by a big flood in August 2004. The flood ruined the pews, the electric organ, and many other parts of the church. After the flood, archaeologists studied the church. They wanted to learn more about its long history.
Home to Rare Bats
Minster Church is also a special place for nature. It is a Site of Special Scientific Interest. This is because it is home to a large group of greater horseshoe bats. These bats are a rare and endangered species in Europe and Britain. The church has the biggest known maternity roost for these bats in Cornwall. It is also one of the largest in the whole UK.
Forrabury Church: Stories and Features
Forrabury church also has some parts that date back to Norman times. Its tower was added much later, in 1750. This church is listed as Grade II*, which means it is also very important.
The Legend of the Bells
The Rev. R. S. Hawker wrote a poem called "The Bells of Forrabury." This poem is based on a local legend. The legend explains why the church tower does not have a set of bells.
The story says that bells were being brought from Spain. They were made there to be the best bells in England. The bells were on a boat with a Spanish captain and a local fisherman. As they sailed past Tintagel on a Sunday, they heard the church bells ringing. The fisherman knelt down and prayed, thanking God for bringing them home safely.
The Spanish captain laughed at the fisherman's faith and pushed him. As he did, a huge wave crashed over the boat, destroying it. The boat and the bells were broken into many pieces. The fisherman managed to get to the rocks safely, but the captain did not. People say that the ghost bells of the ship can still be heard haunting the area today.
Church Organ and Cross
Forrabury church has a pipe organ with two keyboards. Outside the churchyard, there is an old Cornish cross. This cross has been moved from its original spot. It was probably once near a field called Cross Park.
Waterpit Down: An Ancient Cross
At Waterpit Down, which is in Minster parish on the road towards Launceston, you can find the remains of an old cross. This cross is thought to be from the 10th century, making it over 1000 years old.
