St Breage's Church, Breage facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Breaca’s Church, Breage |
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St Breage’s Church, Breage
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| 50°06′29.46″N 5°19′55.42″W / 50.1081833°N 5.3320611°W | |
| Location | Breage |
| Country | Great Britain |
| Denomination | Church of England |
| History | |
| Dedication | St Breaca |
| Administration | |
| Parish | Breage with Godolphin and Ashton |
| Deanery | Kerrier |
| Archdeaconry | Cornwall |
| Diocese | Diocese of Truro |
| Province | Province of Canterbury |
St Breaca's Church is a historic Church of England church located in Breage, Cornwall, England. It is named after Saint Breage (or Breaca), who is believed to have been an Irish nun. She is said to have traveled to Cornwall in the 5th century. This church is an important part of the local community and a fascinating place to learn about history.
Contents
Exploring St Breaca's Church
This beautiful church was built using strong granite stone in the 1400s. Inside, it has two side areas called aisles. These are separated from the main part of the church, called the nave, by granite arches.
Ancient Wall Paintings and Art
On the north wall of the church, you can find five amazing medieval wall paintings. These old artworks show different saints, including Ambrose, Christopher, Corentine, and Hilary. There are also some smaller, broken paintings. One of the most famous paintings is called Warning to the Sabbath-Breakers. It is a great example of a Sunday Christ painting, which shows Jesus reminding people to respect Sunday as a holy day.
Roman History and Ancient Crosses
St Breaca's Church also holds a piece of ancient Roman history. Inside, you can see a Roman milestone from the 3rd century AD. Milestones were like road signs used by the Romans. This one has an incomplete message that mentions a Roman Emperor named Postumus, who ruled from 258 to 268 AD. In the churchyard, there is a very unique cross head. It is called a Hiberno-Saxon cross, which means it combines Irish and Anglo-Saxon art styles.
Church Restoration and Features
The church was carefully restored and reopened on December 26, 1879. During this restoration, the area around the altar, called the chancel, was made larger. New seats for the choir were added. The roof was fixed, the walls were plastered, and the floor was repaired. The church also contains a special burial place for the Godolphin family, a notable local family.
A Look at the Church's History
After the Norman Conquest of England, the church in Breage was important to three powerful lords. These were the Bishop of Exeter, the Earl of Cornwall, and the Earl of Gloucester.
Ownership Changes Over Time
In the 1100s, the Earl of Gloucester gave the church to Tewkesbury Abbey. However, he didn't have the full legal right to do this. So, after 86 years, the Earl of Cornwall stepped in and gave the church to Hailes Abbey instead.
Dependent Chapels
For many centuries, until the 1800s, the parish of Breage was unusual because it had smaller churches, called chapels, that depended on it. These chapels were located in Germoe, Cury, and Gunwalloe. The chapels at Cury and Gunwalloe were added to Breage parish in 1246.
The Church Organ
The organ at St Breaca's Church has an interesting journey! It was first built by a famous company called Henry Willis and Sons for a person named Thomas Robins Bolitho. Later, it was moved to Truro Cathedral. In 1968, the organ was rebuilt and brought to St Breaca's Church by a company called Hele & Co from Plymouth. You can find more details about this organ on the National Pipe Organ Register.
Images for kids
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St. Breaca's church
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View of the church
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Church tower
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Church porch
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Sundial over doorway of the porch
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Churchyard
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Ancient cross in churchyard
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Nave
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Altar
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Frescos
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Frescos
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Fresco of St. Christopher
