St Piran's Chapel, Trethevy facts for kids

Quick facts for kids St Piran's Chapel, Trethevy
Interior of St Piran's Chapel
50°40′12″N 4°43′26″W / 50.6701°N 4.7238°W / 50.6701; -4.7238
OS grid reference	SX 0765 8915
Denomination	Church of England
Churchmanship	High Church
History
Dedication	St Piran
Administration
Parish	Tintagel
Deanery	Trigg Minor
Archdeaconry	Bodmin
Diocese	Truro
Province	Canterbury

Saint Piran's Chapel is an old building in the small village of Trethevy, which is part of Tintagel in Cornwall, UK. It is a long, single-story building made of slate. This chapel is a special kind of church called a chapel-of-ease. This means it's a smaller church that helps people in a larger church area (parish) attend services more easily.

History of St Piran's Chapel

When was the chapel first mentioned?

The first time St Piran's Chapel was written about was in May 1457. At that time, a priest named John Gregory was allowed to hold church services there. He also held services at another chapel called St Denys in Trevena.

What happened to the chapel after the Reformation?

After the Reformation, which was a big change in how churches operated, the chapel was no longer used for religious services. Instead, it became part of a farm. A field next to it was even called "Chapel Meadow" on old maps from 1841.

What old things were found at the chapel?

For a long time, a large stone altar slab was still inside the chapel. An old, arched oak door frame was also visible on the south side, though it's now covered up. In July 1944, a stone coffin was discovered by Father Edward Arundell, who was the vicar of Tintagel. The person in the coffin was buried with their feet pointing west, which suggests they might have been a priest.

A special granite lamp from the Norman period was kept in the chapel. Sadly, it was stolen in 1993. At some point in the late 1800s, the walls of the chapel were made lower than they originally were.

Why is this chapel dedicated to Saint Piran?

It's a bit of a mystery why this chapel is named after Saint Piran. Most places connected to Saint Piran are further west in Cornwall. However, an old book called the Domesday Book mentions "monks of St. Pieran" who owned land nearby. This land might be Tregenver, a farm close to Trethevy.

When was the chapel used as a church again?

In 1941, the person who owned the chapel, Sidney Harris, gave it back to the Church of England. Father Arundell and a builder named George Climo worked to fix up the chapel. The first church service held there after its restoration was on February 8, 1944. Sidney Harris passed away in the hospital later that same day.

Today, church services are still held at the chapel sometimes.

Other chapels named after St Piran

Other chapels have also been named after Saint Piran. One example was mentioned by a writer named Giraldus Cambrensis. He wrote about a chapel in front of Cardiff Castle where King Henry II had a special vision.

Features of the Chapel

What can you see inside the chapel?

The chapel has a small, narrow window called a lancet window in its east wall. This window has a special shape at the top called a trefoil, which looks like three leaves. On the south side, there's also what looks like a rough stone shelf or a piscina. A piscina is a small basin used in churches to wash sacred vessels.

On the north wall, there is a newer stained glass window. It was likely added in the 1940s. This window shows Saint Piran standing in the Rocky Valley, which is a local area.

Parish Status

Which churches are part of the same group?

St Piran's Chapel is part of a group of churches in the Boscastle and Tintagel area. 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 Julitta's Church, St Juliot
• St Materiana’s Church, Tintagel
• The Holy Family Church, Treknow
• St Petroc’s Church, Trevalga