St Mawnan and St Stephen's Church, Mawnan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Mawnan and St Stephen’s Church, Mawnan |
|
|---|---|
St Mawnan and St Stephen’s Church, Mawnan
|
|
| 50°06′12.85″N 5°05′45.82″W / 50.1035694°N 5.0960611°W | |
| Location | Mawnan |
| Country | England |
| Denomination | Church of England |
| History | |
| Dedication | St Mawnan and St Stephen |
| Architecture | |
| Heritage designation | Grade II* listed |
| Administration | |
| Parish | Mawnan |
| Deanery | Carnmarth South |
| Archdeaconry | Cornwall |
| Diocese | Diocese of Truro |
| Province | Province of Canterbury |
St Mawnan and St Stephen's Church is a historic church located in Mawnan, Cornwall, England. It is part of the Church of England and is a very important building. The church has a special heritage status, meaning it's protected because of its history and architecture.
Contents
History of the Church
This church has a long and interesting past! It was first built way back in the 13th century, which is over 700 years ago. The tall tower you see today was added later, between the 14th and 15th centuries.
Restorations and Changes
Over the years, the church has been repaired and updated many times. In 1827, the north wall was rebuilt to make it stronger. Later, in 1861, the vicar (the local priest) worked on restoring the chancel roof. The chancel is the part of the church near the altar.
A big restoration project happened between 1879 and 1880. At that time, the church was in very bad shape. It was so damaged that people couldn't even worship inside! An architect named James Piers St Aubyn led this important work.
During this restoration, large parts of the north and south walls were rebuilt. New windows were also put in, making the church brighter. Beautiful stained glass was added to the chancel and the east window of the north aisle. A new window with colored glass was placed in the north-east corner. This window was a special memorial for M. Nowell Peters, who passed away in 1880.
The company that did the building work was Messrs May of Pool. The whole project cost about £1,500, which was a lot of money back then! The church was finally ready and reopened on June 30, 1880.
Who were St Mawnan and St Stephen?
The church is named after two saints: St Mawnan and St Stephen. St Mawnan, also known as Mawan or Mawganus, was a very early Christian leader. He is believed to have settled in this area around the 6th century.
Ancient Cross Fragment
If you look closely at the north aisle wall of the church, you might spot something special. There's a small piece of an old stone cross built right into the wall! This fragment was discovered in the churchyard in 1881. It's a cool piece of history from long ago.
Church Status
St Mawnan and St Stephen's Church is part of a larger group of churches. It shares a parish with another church nearby:
- St Michael's Church, Mawnan Smith
The Organ
The church has a wonderful organ that makes music during services. It was first built in 1875 by a company called J. W. Walker & Sons Ltd. This organ actually started its life in a different church, All Saints’ Church in Marazion.
Over time, the organ has been made bigger and better. Companies like Hele & Co and Lance Foy have added to it. You can find out more details about this organ on the National Pipe Organ Register website.
Images for kids
-
A list of past rectors of the church.
