St Brevita's Church, Lanlivery facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Brevita's Church |
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St Brevita's Church
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 St Brevita's Church
Location in Cornwall
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| 50°24′00″N 04°42′14″W / 50.40000°N 4.70389°W | |
| OS grid reference | SX 07991 59046 |
| Location | Lanlivery, Cornwall |
| Country | England |
| Denomination | Church of England |
| History | |
| Dedication | Saint Bryvyth/Brevita |
| Architecture | |
| Years built | 14th-15th centuries |
| Specifications | |
| Spire height | 95 feet (29 m) |
| Administration | |
| Parish | Lanlivery |
| Archdeaconry | Bodmin |
| Diocese | Truro |
| Province | Canterbury |
St Brevita's Church is a very old church in Lanlivery, Cornwall, England. It was built many centuries ago, mostly in the 14th and 15th centuries. This church is special because it's dedicated to a mysterious saint named Bryvyth, or Brevita. It's also a "Grade I listed" building, which means it's a really important historical site.
Contents
The Church's Long Story
How Old Is It?
St Brevita's Church started being built in the late 1300s. Most of what you see today was finished in the mid-1400s. This includes the south aisle, the porch, and the tall tower.
Who Was Saint Bryvyth?
The church is named after Saint Bryvyth, also called Brevita. No one knows much about her, which makes her quite a mystery! She is only mentioned in a few old documents from before the 1500s. In one very old record from 1423, she was called "Briueta." Later, in 1473, she was "Breutta," and in 1539, "Bryvyth."
People used to celebrate her special day, called a feast day, in May. There's also a holy well nearby that is dedicated to her. The local community still celebrates her feast day by decorating this well.
What Did It Look Like Long Ago?
In 1858, a writer named Samuel Lewis described St Brevita's Church. He said it was a "handsome structure of granite." He noted its "lofty embattled tower" with pointed tops called pinnacles. He also mentioned its two wide aisles, separated by columns.
A Stop on a Pilgrimage
The Saints' Way is an old walking route for pilgrims. It passes right through Lanlivery and includes St Brevita's Church. This means many people have visited the church on their journeys over hundreds of years.
The Church Today
In recent years, the church has become even more important to the local community. They have opened a community library inside the church. They also updated parts of the building to make it a better place for non-religious events. These events include concerts, gardening projects, and holiday celebrations.
St Brevita's Church works together with several other local churches. These include churches in Boconnoc, St Winnow, St Veep, Braddock, and Lostwithiel.
Inside and Out
Building Style and Materials
St Brevita's Church was built in a style called Perpendicular Gothic. This style was popular in England during the late Middle Ages. The church is made from granite stone. The main parts of the church were built in the 15th century.
In the 1800s, the church was restored. During this time, new pews (church benches) and a pulpit (where the preacher stands) were added. Inside, you can also see many memorials from the 1600s, 1700s, and 1800s.
The Organ and Bells
The church has a large organ that was first built in 1888. It was moved to St Brevita's Church in 1994. You can find details about this organ in the National Pipe Organ Register. The church tower also holds a set of 8 bells.
Old Graves and Memorials
The churchyard around St Brevita's Church has many old memorials. About 222 of these are listed as "Grade II" monuments, meaning they are historically important. Here are a few examples:
- A large stone tomb for the Kendall family from the late 1600s or early 1700s.
- A stone coffin, possibly from the 1600s, that might have been moved from inside the church.
- A row of three tombstones from the early 1800s, decorated with carvings of angels.
- The grave of a married couple, John and Grace Siers, from the late 1700s and early 1800s.
- The grave of Benjamin Sturtridge from 1768, which has many symbolic carvings.
- Two other old stone tombs from the 1700s, one made of granite and limestone, and another of granite and slate with writing that is hard to read.
