St Julitta's Church, St Juliot facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Julitta’s Church, St Juliot |
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St Julitta’s Church, St Juliot
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| 50°41′34.51″N 4°39′11.7″W / 50.6929194°N 4.653250°W | |
| Location | St Juliot |
| Country | England |
| Denomination | Church of England |
| Churchmanship | Broad church |
| History | |
| Dedication | St Julitta |
| Architecture | |
| Heritage designation | Grade II* listed |
| Designated | 17 December 1962 |
| Administration | |
| Parish | St Juliot (Boscastle and Tintagel Group of Churches) |
| Deanery | Stratton |
| Archdeaconry | Bodmin |
| Diocese | Diocese of Truro |
| Province | Province of Canterbury |
St Julitta's Church, St Juliot is an old church in St Juliot, Cornwall, England. It is part of the Church of England. This church is special because it is a Grade II* listed building. This means it is a very important historic building that needs to be protected. Another church, St Julitta's Church, Lanteglos-by-Camelford, is also named after the same local saint.
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What is the History of St Julitta's Church?
The church is named after Saint Julitta. It stands in a quiet spot above the River Valency valley. Other churches nearby, like the one at Tintagel, are also dedicated to St Julitta. The church is located in the northeast part of Cornwall.
How Old is the Church Building?
This church is very old, even older than the Domesday Book (which was written in 1086!). The first church building was from the Dark Ages. It was made bigger in the 13th century when new parts called transepts were added.
In 1238, a group of religious leaders from Launceston Priory took over the chapel of St Julitta. Later, around 1269, it became connected to their church in St Gennys. In the late 15th century, a south aisle (a side part of the church) and a porch were added.
What Happened During the Reformation?
During the Reformation, the church became separate from St Gennys. It became a "donative" church, meaning it had its own priest who was paid a yearly amount. In 1865, it became a "rectory," which is a different type of church leadership. There used to be a north transept, but it was removed when the church was restored in the Victorian era.
What Special Features Does the Church Have?
The church tower has three levels. The south aisle is made of granite. One interesting part is the vaulted granite south porch, which has a curved ceiling. Inside, there is a bronze artwork showing the Deposition of Christ. This artwork was made by an Italian artist in the 16th-century. There are also two ancient Cornish crosses in the churchyard.
Who Restored the Church?
An architect named John Hicks looked at the church in 1867. Sadly, he passed away before he could start the restoration work. The church was then restored between 1870 and 1872 by Thomas Hardy. This restoration was a big project, almost like rebuilding the church. Some people wondered if more of the original building could have been saved. The church reopened on April 25, 1872.
Thomas Hardy was not just an architect; he was also a famous poet and novelist. He met his wife at this church in 1870. Later, he wrote a book called A Pair of Blue Eyes and some poems about his time in the area.
Are There Any Ancient Crosses Here?
Yes, there are three very old Cornish crosses at the church. Two of them are in the churchyard. One of these crosses was moved here in 1852 from a place called Anderton Mill, Lesnewth, to keep it safe.
What is the Church's Parish Status?
St Julitta's Church is part of a group of churches called the Boscastle and Tintagel group of parishes. This group includes:
- St Symphorian's Church, Forrabury
- St Merteriana's Church, Minster
- St Michael and All Angels' Church, Lesnewth
- St Denis' Church, Otterham
- St Materiana's Church, Tintagel
- St Piran's Church, Trethevy
- St Petroc's Church, Trevalga
What About the Bells?
The church tower has a set of 6 bells. In 2009, it was reported that they could not be rung. The newest bells were made in 1951 by John Taylor. Two bells are from 1808 by John III Pennington. The other two bells are even older, from 1734 and 1783, made by John IV Pennington.
