St Columba's Church, St Columb Major facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Church of Saint Columba |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
 Church of Saint Columba
Location in Cornwall
|
|
| 50°26′08.5″N 04°56′25.1″W / 50.435694°N 4.940306°W | |
| Location | St Columb Major |
| Country | England |
| Denomination | Church of England |
| Website | Lannpydar.org.uk |
| History | |
| Dedication | Saint Columba the Virgin |
| Specifications | |
| Spire height | 80 feet (24 m) |
| Materials | Slatestone rubble with granite dressings |
| Bells | 8 |
| Administration | |
| Parish | St Columb Major |
| Deanery | Pydar |
| Diocese | Truro |
| Province | Canterbury |
St Columba's Church is a very old and important church in St Columb Major, Cornwall. It is a Grade I listed parish church, which means it is a building of special historical interest. The church belongs to the Church of England and is part of the Diocese of Truro.
In 1860, there were plans for this church to become the main cathedral for Cornwall. However, a new cathedral was built in Truro instead. There is another church named after the same saint, called St Columba's Church, St Columb Minor.
Contents
History of St Columba's Church
This church was built between the 13th and 15th centuries. That means it is hundreds of years old! It has many beautiful wooden carvings. These include the ends of the church benches, which date back to 1510. You can also see a special screen called a rood screen and curved wooden ceilings known as wagon roofs. There is also a carved wooden pulpit from the 1800s.
The Fire of 1676
In 1676, a big accident happened. Three young people accidentally set fire to a barrel of gunpowder. They sadly died, and the church was badly damaged. The repairs cost about £350, which was a lot of money back then. People from the public gave money, and the church was fixed in just nine months.
Church Connections
St Columba's Church is part of a group of churches called the Lann Pydar joint benefice. This group also includes:
- St Ervan Church
- St Eval Church
- St Mawgan Church
The Church Organ
The church has a large organ that was built in 1870. It was made by a company called Bryceson & Ellis from Lincoln. You can find more details about this organ in the National Pipe Organ Register.
The Font
The font is a special stone basin used for baptisms. This one is octagonal, meaning it has eight sides. It is located in the south aisle of the church and dates back to around 1300. The sides of the font have carvings, including five faces of men.
Church Bells
The church has eight bells. They were made between 1776 and 1950. The oldest bells were made by J C & W Pennington of Exeter in 1776. Newer bells were made by John Taylor & Co in 1950 and 1969. One bell from 1825 was made by John Rudhall. In 1950, the bells were checked and fixed by the Loughborough Bellfoundry. The heaviest bell, called the tenor, weighs about 637 kilograms (1404 pounds).
Special Memorials and Plaques
Inside the church, you can find many interesting monumental brasses and memorials. These are like special plaques that remember important people. Some of these include:
- Sir John Arundell (1474–1545): He was a very important person in Cornwall. He was part of the Order of the Bath, a special group of knights. His brass is thought to be one of the most detailed in Cornwall.
- Eleanor Grey: She was the wife of John Arundell. Her grandmother was Elizabeth Woodville, who was the Queen of England and married to King Edward IV.
- Sir John Arundell (died 1591) and his wife (died 1602): Another Sir John Arundell and his wife are remembered here. Their brass was made in 1635.
- John Arundell and his wife (died 1633): They are remembered on the same stone.
- Robert Hoblyn: He was a Member of Parliament for Bristol. He died in 1756, and his memorial in the church has a long message.
- Sir Richard Bellings (1622 – 1716): He was an Irish courtier, which means he worked for the royal family. He was the secretary to Catherine of Braganza, who was the wife of King Charles II.
War Memorial
Outside the church, there is a granite war memorial. It was put up in 1920. It looks like a classic Cornish cross. This memorial lists the names of 55 men from the area who died in the First and Second World Wars.
Other Interesting Features
The church has a beautiful wooden screen designed by the architect George Fellowes Prynne. There are also amazing oak benchends that are very old, dating back to 1510. The fine organ was made by Bryceston Bros. & Ellis of London.
You can also see a copy of a "Letter of Thanks" from King Charles I to the Cornish people. He sent this letter in 1643. Many churches in Cornwall have copies of this letter. The church also has two sculptures by the artist Allan G. Wyon. There is a lovely stained glass window that shows Saint Columba the Virgin. In the churchyard, you can find St Columba's Cross.
