St German's Priory facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Church of St Germanus, St Germans |
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St Germans priory church, St Germans
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| Location | St Germans, Cornwall |
| Denomination | Church of England |
| History | |
| Status | Parish church |
| Consecrated | 1261 |
| Architecture | |
| Style | Norman and Gothic |
| Specifications | |
| Materials | Stone and rubble |
| Administration | |
| Diocese | Truro |
| District | Archdeaconry of Bodmin |
St Germans Priory is a big, old church in the village of St Germans in south-east Cornwall, England. A priory is a type of monastery where a group of canons or monks live and worship. This church is famous for its beautiful Norman style.
Contents
A Look Back: The Priory's History
How Old Is St Germans Priory?
People believe that a church was first built here around 430 AD by a saint named St Germanus. The first written record shows that Conan became the Bishop of Cornwall at this church in 926 AD. This happened because King Athelstan made an agreement with Cornwall. Having a bishop here meant the old Celtic monastery was already very important.
From Monastery to Cathedral and Priory
The church at St Germans replaced an even older Anglo-Saxon building. This older building was once the main church, or cathedral, for the Bishops of Cornwall. In 926 AD, King Athelstan made it the cathedral for Cornwall when he appointed Conan as bishop. However, this didn't last long. By 1042 AD, the bishop's main church moved to Crediton.
A monastery grew next to the church. Later, between 1161 and 1184, it was reorganized into an Augustinian priory. This means it became a home for a group of canons who followed the rules of St Augustine. The priory church was then rebuilt to be very grand, with two towers at the front and a long main hall.
The Priory After King Henry VIII
During the time of King Henry VIII, many monasteries in England were closed down. This was called the Dissolution of the Monasteries. St Germans Priory was also closed. Its buildings then became a private home for the Eliot family, who still live there today. Some members of the Eliot family are buried in the church.
Today, St Germans Priory is looked after by the Church of England and the St Germans Priory Trust.
Exploring the Priory's Architecture
What Makes the Church Special?
Some of the original Norman parts of the church are still there. One of the most amazing features is the large, arched doorway at the west (front) side of the church. It's very fancy and has detailed carvings. This doorway was made from a type of stone called elvan, which was dug up from a quarry in Landrake.
The church also has two towers and a pipe organ inside. There's a special chapel for the Moyle family of Bake, where they are buried.
Dupath Well and the Monks
Near the priory, there's a place called Dupath Well. People say that the small building over the well was built in 1510 by the monks from St Germans Priory.
Notable Burials at St Germans Priory
Many important people from the Eliot family, who lived in the private house that was once the priory, are buried here. Some of them include:
- John Eliot, 1st Earl of St Germans
- Henry Eliot, 5th Earl of St Germans
- John Eliot (died 1685)
- Edward James Eliot
- Edward Craggs-Eliot, 1st Baron Eliot
Images for kids
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Interior view of St Germans Priory.
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The ornate west doorway of St Germans Priory.
See also
