St Erth's Church, St Erth facts for kids

Quick facts for kids St Erth’s Church, St Erth
St Erth’s Church, St Erth
50°09′52.35″N 5°25′56.93″W / 50.1645417°N 5.4324806°W / 50.1645417; -5.4324806
Location	St Erth
Country	England
Denomination	Church of England
History
Dedication	Erc of Slane
Administration
Parish	St Erth
Deanery	Penwith
Archdeaconry	Cornwall
Diocese	Diocese of Truro
Province	Province of Canterbury

St Erth’s Church is a historic church located in the village of St Erth in Cornwall, England. It is a Grade I listed building, which means it is considered a very important historical site. The church belongs to the Church of England and is part of the Diocese of Truro.

What is the History of St Erth's Church?

St Erth's Church is named after a saint called Erc of Slane, also known as Ercus. The church building likely dates back to the 14th century, which makes it over 600 years old! It is not a huge church, but it has a tall tower with three sections. Inside, there are areas called north and south aisles. The north aisle has pillars of two different styles.

When Was the Church Restored?

The church has been carefully repaired and updated many times over the centuries.

• In 1747, a vicar named Collins helped restore the church.
• A much bigger restoration happened between 1872 and 1874. During this time, almost the entire church was rebuilt, except for the tower.
• The walls were built using a special stone called Polyphant stone.
• Old wooden pews were replaced with new open benches made of pitch pine.
• The ceiling of the chancel (the area around the altar) was decorated.
• The floor of the chancel was paved with colorful encaustic tiles.
• The main window at the east end was replaced with a new one.
• Two dormer windows were added to the roof to let in more light.
• The old wagon roof in the south porch is still original.
• The church's font, used for baptisms, is very old and has an unusual square shape.
• The beautiful wooden roofs of the nave and aisles, and a detailed oak screen with carvings of the Four Evangelists, were added during the 1874 restoration.
• Mrs. Mills, the vicar's wife, gave the church a new font made of carved Caen stone.
• The church officially reopened on February 20, 1874, with the Bishop attending.

What About the Stained-Glass Windows?

The church has some lovely stained-glass windows.

• In 1882, a new stained-glass window was put in the chancel. It was dedicated "to the glory of God" and in memory of Lawrence Henry Orde Woodd. He was an Inspector of Schools who sadly passed away in the churchyard while going to a service.
• In November 1886, a memorial window for Reverend A. W. Mills was revealed. The bottom part of this window shows scenes from the story of the Good Shepherd.

The Trewinnard Chapel Restoration

The Trewinnard chapel is a special part of the church.

• It was restored in 1912 by experts named Sedding and Wheatley.
• The restoration was done to remember the Hawkins family.
• Mrs. Hawkins, whose husband Christopher Hawkins owned the Trewinnard Estate, paid for the work.
• The carvings around the altar were made by Hitch and Co of London, and Rashleigh, Pinwell and Co of Plymouth.
• One of the seat panels in the chapel shows a figure of the late Bishop of Truro, Dr. Charles Stubbs, blessing the people.

Does St Erth's Church Have an Organ?

Yes, St Erth's Church has a pipe organ.

• It was installed in 1881 by William Sweetland of Bath.
• The organ cost £300 at the time.
• It was first played on Thursday, September 1, 1881.
• You can find more details about this organ on the National Pipe Organ Register.

Who is Buried at St Erth's Church?

The churchyard of St Erth's Church is a burial ground.

• Annie Walke, a painter and poet, is buried here. Her exact burial spot is not known.

What is St Erth's Church's Parish Status?

St Erth's Church is part of a group of churches called the Godrevy team ministry. This means they work together.

• St Gwinear’s Church, Gwinear
• St Gothian's Church, Gwithian
• St Elwyn's Church, Hayle
• St Felicitas and St Piala's Church, Phillack

Images for kids

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  St Erth’s Church, St Erth