St Just in Penwith Parish Church facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Just in Penwith Parish Church, St. Just |
|
|---|---|
St Just in Penwith Church, St. Just
|
|
| 50°07′29″N 05°40′44″W / 50.12472°N 5.67889°W | |
| OS grid reference | SW371174 |
| Denomination | Church of England |
| History | |
| Dedication | Saint Just (Yestin) |
| Administration | |
| Parish | St Just in Penwith, Cornwall |
| Deanery | Penwith |
| Archdeaconry | Cornwall |
| Diocese | Truro |
| Province | Canterbury |
St Just in Penwith Parish Church is a historic church in St Just in Penwith, Cornwall, UK. It is part of the Church of England and has been an important building in the community for hundreds of years.
Contents
A Look Back at the Church's History
The church is named after Saint Just. In 1478, a writer named William of Worcester said that the church held special items belonging to Saint Justus the Martyr. Saint Just, also known as Justin or Yestin, was believed to be the son of another saint, Geraint.
Building Through the Ages
The church building you see today is very old, dating back to the 15th century. Before that, there was an even older church built in 1334. Only a small part of that 1334 church, called the chancel, remains. The Bishop of Exeter, John Grandisson, officially opened the 1334 church on July 13, 1336.
In 1355, a knight named Sir John de Beaupre gave the church and its lands to Glasney College. This college was a religious school in Cornwall.
Old Chapels in the Area
In the past, there were other small chapels in the parish. These included a chapel dedicated to St Helen at Cape Cornwall and another for St Michael on Chapel Carn Brea.
What the Church Looks Like
The church is quite large and built from strong, square blocks of granite stone. Both the main part of the church and its tall tower were built in the 15th century. The tower has three main sections, one on top of the other.
Inside the Church
The sides of the church, called aisles, are designed in the same way. They have windows that switch between two different patterns. Inside, the arches that separate the main part of the church from the aisles are supported by pillars made of limestone.
The font, which is a basin used for baptisms, is newer but looks like it could be from the 14th century. You can also see two very old wall paintings inside. They have been repaired many times, but one shows Saint George fighting a dragon. The other painting is a warning to people who did not respect Sunday, known as the Sabbath.
Ancient Treasures and Crosses
The church is home to some very old items.
The Selus Stone
One special item is the Selus Stone. Experts believe it was made between the late 400s and early 500s. It has a Latin message carved into it that says Selus Ic Iacet, which means "Selus lies here." Many people think this refers to Salomon of Cornwall, who was also known as Saint Selevan.
Stone Crosses
In 1896, a person named Arthur Langdon wrote about seven old stone crosses in the St Just in Penwith area. Two of these crosses were in the vicarage garden, and two others were in Kenidjack Valley. Another cross was built right into the church wall. You can also find crosses at places called Leswidden and Nanquidno. There is even a Cornish cross in the vicarage garden of Pendeen.
A Special Window for a Brave Lighthouse Keeper
In April 1879, a special window was put into the church. It remembers Owen Boyle, who was an 18-year-old lighthouse keeper. He sadly lost his life at the Longships Lighthouse on October 25, 1877. A huge wave swept Owen into the sea. He was the fifth person to die at that lighthouse since it was finished in 1873. The beautiful glass for the window was made by a company in Dublin.
Gallery
-
The south porch and sundial
-
The high altar with the reredos of alabaster with fourteen Cornish saints
-
The Lady chapel in the south aisle
-
The organ
-
A Fresco-secco in St Just in Penwith Parish Church. This painting was created in the 15th century and depicts Saint George fighting the dragon
