Morwenstow facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Morwenstow
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| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Police | Devon and Cornwall |
| Fire | Cornwall |
| Ambulance | South Western |
| EU Parliament | South West England |
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Morwenstow (which is Logmorwenna in the Cornish language) is a small area in northern Cornwall, England. It's located right on the west coast, about 10 kilometers (6 miles) north of Bude. This beautiful area is part of the Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), which means it has special natural beauty.
Morwenstow is the most northern part of Cornwall. Besides the main village, called Crosstown, other small places here include Shop, Woodford, Gooseham, Eastcott, Woolley, and West Youlstone. In 2011, about 791 people lived here. Morwenstow is bordered by Devon to the north and east, and by Kilkhampton to the south. The Atlantic Ocean is to its west. The River Tamar starts its journey from a spring on Woolley Moor, right here in Morwenstow.
This area was once home to a famous vicar and poet named Robert Stephen Hawker (1803–1875). He wrote Cornwall's well-known song, Trelawny. Hawker is also known for helping to bring back the tradition of Harvest Festivals.
Contents
Exploring Morwenstow's History
The Parish Church
The main church in Morwenstow is called the Church of St Morwenna and St John the Baptist, Morwenstow. It is dedicated to Saints John the Baptist and Morwenna. This church was built a very long time ago, during the Norman period. The Vicarage, which is the house where the vicar lives, was built for Robert Stephen Hawker. It has unique chimneys shaped like the towers of different churches that were important to him.
In the churchyard, you can find a special memorial. It's a white figurehead from a ship called the "Caledonia". This ship, from Scotland, sank on the dangerous rocks of Higher Sharpnose in 1842. The captain and most of the crew are buried in the churchyard. In 2004, the original figurehead was moved inside the church for protection. A copy of the figurehead now stands in the churchyard.
Hawker's Hut and Holy Wells
A path from the church leads down to the cliff edge. Here, you'll find "Hawker's Hut", the smallest building owned by the National Trust. It's built right into the cliff, looking out over the sea towards the island of Lundy. Robert Stephen Hawker spent many hours here, thinking and writing his poems. He even had famous guests like Alfred Tennyson and Charles Kingsley visit him in this tiny hut.
There are also old holy wells in Morwenstow. The holy well of St John was first mentioned in records from 1296. Another well, called St Morwenna's well, is located on the cliff.
Ancient Manors and Geology
The manor of Stanbury is in Morwenstow parish. It was the birthplace of John Stanberry, who became a Bishop of Hereford. He was also the first leader of Eton College, chosen by King Henry VI. Sir William Adams, a famous eye doctor, was also born at Stanbury. The manor house itself was built in the 1500s.
Nearby, Tonacombe Manor is known as a perfect example of a Tudor manor house. A special old Celtic cross was found here in the early 1900s.
At Stanbury Creek, you can see amazing examples of curved and twisted rocks. These dark cliffs are made of folded layers of shale and mudstone, shaped by the ocean waves.
Modern Connections
GCHQ Bude, a satellite ground station, is located on the cliffs of Cleave. Its many large satellite dishes can be seen from miles around.
Literary Connections
Morwenstow and its surroundings are an important setting in the mystery novel Set in Stone (1999) by British author Robert Goddard.
Another book, The Wreck at Sharpnose Point by Jeremy Seal (published in 2003), is a novel based on the true story of the 'Caledonia' ship wreck.
Notable People from Morwenstow
Many interesting people have connections to Morwenstow:
- Sir William Adams, the eye doctor, was born at Stanbury.
- Michael Axworthy, a historian and writer.
- Sally Axworthy, a diplomat.
- Robert Stephen Hawker, the famous poet and priest.
- John Stanberry, a Bishop of Hereford, who was the first leader of Eton College.
- Jonah Barrington, an international squash player and coach.
- Adelaide Phillpotts, a writer, is buried here.
