St Tallanus' Church, Talland facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Talland Church |
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Talland Church
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| Denomination | Church of England |
| Churchmanship | Broad Church |
| Website | https://www.tallandchurch.co.uk |
| History | |
| Dedication | St Tallan |
| Administration | |
| Parish | Talland |
| Deanery | West Wivelshire |
| Archdeaconry | Bodmin |
| Diocese | Truro |
| Province | Canterbury |
Talland Church is a very old and important building located on the cliffs near Looe in Cornwall, England. It is a Grade I listed building, which means it's considered a special historical site. The church is named after St Tallanus and was originally built by monks from Launceston.
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Discovering Talland Church
Talland Church is a fascinating place with a long history. It sits high on the cliffs, offering amazing views of the sea. This church has been a place of worship for hundreds of years.
The Church's Ancient Roots
The main part of the church you see today was built a long time ago. Some parts, like the lower section of the tower, might be from a church built in the 1200s. Most of the church was built later, in the late 1400s. This means the church is now over 500 years old!
The church's altar, which is a special table used for religious services, is believed to be in the same spot as a much older Celtic altar. Some stories say this spot is where special energy lines, called "ley lines," meet. However, scientists haven't found proof that ley lines exist. Also, whether St Tallanus was a real person is something historians still discuss.
Unique Features of the Church Building
Talland Church has a very unusual feature: its bell tower is not directly attached to the main church building. It stands separately on the south side. This tower was only connected to the rest of the church in the 1400s.
Inside, the church has beautiful old wooden ceilings, called "wagon roofs." You can also see many old wooden bench ends, which are the decorated ends of the pews (church benches). Some of these date back to the early 1500s, and others are from around 1600. They show amazing craftsmanship from long ago.
The Mystery of Robert Mark
Inside Talland Church, there is a headstone for a person named Robert Mark. There's a bit of a mystery about who he was and how he died in 1802. Some stories say he was a smuggler from a nearby village called Polperro, who was shot at sea. Other stories suggest he was a tax collector who was killed while doing his job.
His tablet has a sad message carved into it: "In prime of life, most suddenly, Sad tidings to relate, Here view my utter destiny, And pity my sad state. I by a shot which rapid flew, Was instantly struck dead." This inscription tells us he died very suddenly.
Talland Church is a wonderful place to visit. It offers a glimpse into history, with its ancient stones, unique architecture, and intriguing stories.
