Warleggan facts for kids
Warleggan (also called Warleggon) is a small community area in Cornwall, England. It is located on the southern edge of Bodmin Moor, a large area of granite moorland. In the local Cornish language, its name is Gorlegan.
Warleggan is shaped a bit like a rectangle. It has small groups of houses, called hamlets, near its church and at a place called Mount. The River Warleggan flows through this area. This river is a smaller stream that eventually joins the River Fowey. In some parts, the River Warleggan forms the western edge of the community.
Over the years, the number of people living in Warleggan has changed. In 2001, there were 203 people, and by 2011, this had grown slightly to 208. Looking back, in 1801, only 116 people lived here. The population grew to 301 by 1871, but then it went down to 162 by 1971 before starting to increase again.
For a long time, Warleggan was quite hard to reach. It was considered one of the most remote places in Cornwall. However, a new road was built in 1953. This road connected Warleggan to the main A38 highway, making it much easier for people to travel to and from the area.
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Warleggan's Church and History
The main church in Warleggan is called St Bartholomew's Church. Parts of this church are very old, dating back to the Norman times (around the 11th to 12th centuries). Other parts were built later, in the 15th century.
Church Building and Features
The church used to have a tall, pointed roof structure called a spire. Sadly, this spire fell down in 1818 and was never rebuilt. The church building includes a chancel (the area around the altar), a nave (the main part where people sit), and a south aisle (a side section). These parts are separated by strong granite arches.
Notable People and Crosses
From 1931 until he passed away, a person named Rev. Frederick W. Densham was the church leader, known as the Rector, in Warleggan. He was known for being a bit unusual and lived a simple life. A film called A Congregation of Ghosts was even made about his life.
In the churchyard, you can find an old stone Cornish cross. We don't know exactly where it was first placed. It was moved to the churchyard from an area called Carburrow. In 1858, it was found on Warleggan Down, between Carburrow and Treveddoe. Later in the 1800s, it was moved to where it stands today in the churchyard.
Other Places of Worship
Besides St Bartholomew's Church, there was also a Methodist chapel in the Warleggan area. Methodist chapels are places of worship for followers of Methodism, a type of Protestant Christianity.
Cabilla Manor Wood: A Special Place for Nature
Cabilla Manor Wood is located in the western part of Warleggan. This woodland is very important for nature and is officially recognized as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). An SSSI is a special protected area in the UK because it has rare wildlife, plants, or geological features.
The SSSI at Cabilla Manor Wood is known for its interesting plants and animals. It is located around the River Warleggan and also extends into the nearby community area of Cardinham. This protection helps to keep the natural environment safe for future generations.
