St Hermes' Church, St Erme facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Hermes’ Church, St Erme |
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St Hermes’ Church, St Erme
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| 50°18′33.480″N 5°1′33.204″W / 50.30930000°N 5.02589000°W | |
| Location | St Erme |
| Country | England |
| Denomination | Church of England |
| History | |
| Dedication | St Hermes |
| Architecture | |
| Heritage designation | Grade II* listed |
| Administration | |
| Parish | St Erme |
| Deanery | Powder |
| Archdeaconry | Cornwall |
| Diocese | Diocese of Truro |
| Province | Province of Canterbury |
St Hermes’ Church, St Erme is a historic church located in St Erme, Cornwall, England. It is part of the Church of England and is considered a very important building. It has a special "Grade II* listed" status, meaning it's protected because of its history and architecture.
Contents
Church History: A Look Back
The Name: From Erme to Hermes
Some historians, like Gilbert Hunter Doble, believe this church was first named after a local saint called Erme. Later, its name might have been changed to honor saint Hermes, who was a Greek saint. This shows how church names can sometimes change over time!
Building and Changes Over Time
Most of the church you see today was rebuilt between 1819 and 1820. This work was done by an architect named John Foulston for the local church leader, Revd. Cornelius Cardew. The only part that is much older is the church tower, which dates back to medieval times.
The church was updated again in 1906. During this restoration:
- The tower got new floors and beams.
- A new lead roof was added to the tower.
- The decorative points (pinnacles) on the tower were fixed.
- The church bells were melted down and recast. They were also increased to a set of six new bells.
- A new entrance was built on the south side using a special stone called Polyphant stone.
- New doors made of strong oak wood were installed.
- New windows were put into the bell tower. These were a gift from the leaders of Truro Cathedral.
Ancient Features and Important People
Inside the church, you can find a font (a basin for baptisms) that is very old, from the Norman period. There's also a special brass plaque from 1596 dedicated to Robert Trencreek and his family.
A historian named Charles G. Henderson noted that the church building was in bad shape by the 18th century. This was because two wealthy rectors (church leaders) stayed for a long time. The church had to be rebuilt in 1820, and efforts were made in 1908 to blend the new parts with the older sections.
Cornelius Cardew was a significant figure for the church. He served as a curate and then as the rector for 60 years until he passed away in 1831. His portrait can still be seen inside the church.
Monuments in the Churchyard
Just outside the church, about 5 meters south of the tower, you can find two old monuments. These are also protected as "Grade II listed" structures. They are dedicated to members of the Trethewy family:
- One monument remembers Catherine Trethewy, who passed away in 1792.
- The second monument is for Anthony Trethewy (who died in 1799), Elizabeth Trethewy (who died in 1805), and their children Anthony (who died in 1801) and Amy (who died in 1804).
Church Community
St Hermes’ Church is part of a group of churches that work together. This group includes:
- St Crida's Church, Creed
- St Nun's Church, Grampound
- St Ladoca's Church, Ladock
- St Probus and St Grace's Church, Probus
Church Organ
The church has an organ built by Hele & Co in 1927. You can find more details about this organ on the National Pipe Organ Register.
