 Dedicated to St Credan, the circular configuration of the site together with the ancient crosses suggests not only that the first church was probably monastic in character, but also that it was surrounded by a collection of huts or cells, housing a community of monks, manual workers, and domestics. The current church is from the 13th-15th Centuries.
As there were two or more Cornish Saints with the name of St. Credan, some feel the dedication is to St. Credan, a disciple of St Petroc, while others to another St. Credan, an Irish saint who eventually returned to Ireland and settled in County Wicklow.
The churchyard contains five ancient crosses. One can be found abutting the diagonal path leading to the porch to the southeast entrance. It is reputed to be the best specimen of incised work in Cornwall. Opinions as to its date vary from the 8th to the 11th Century. Its total length is nine feet and it stands eight feet three inches clear of the base. It is sculptured on all four sides. Another cross located on the east side of the south porch has many points in common with the larger one described above. The heads in each case are exactly similar, and so far as is known are the only examples of this particular form in Cornwall. The height of this cross from the base to top is five feet nine inches. The remaining crosses, three in number, lack both shaft and bas. They are of the wheel pattern.
Sancreed Well, also known as Chapel Downs, lies in a pine and holly grove, and steps lead deeply down into a womblike chamber, covered with corbelled stone walls and roof.
About Sancreed Church, Crosses, and Holy Well
The Parish of Sancreed Website
Megalithic Portal: Sancreed Church and Ancient Crosses
Megalithic Portal: Sancreed Well
Modern Antiquarian: Sancreed Holy Well
Wikipedia: St. Credan of Cornwall
Wikipedia: Holy Well
Journey to Sancreed Church, Crosses, and Holy Well
Sancreed is a village approximately three miles from Penzance in West Penwith in Cornwall. The church and ancient crosses are in the village, while the holy well is located west of the village. From the A30 heading west towards Land's End, take a right at the village of Drift and proceed to the village of Sancreed. Park beside the Church, and a public path from the telephone box opposite leads to the well.
Ordnance Survey Map (SW4202229349)
Visitors Information
Visitors information for Sancreed Church, Crosses, and Holy Well may be found at the geograph.org.uk
website. General Cornwall tourist information may be found at the Visit Cornwall website.
Additional Photos of Sancreed Church, Crosses, and Holy Well
Sancreed Parish Church Sign
Sancreed Church
Sancreed Church
Ancient Cross in Sancreed Church Yard
Ancient Cross Near Sancreed Church
Close-Up of Ancient Cross Near Sancreed Church
Ancient Cross in Sancreed Church Yard
Old Cross in Sancreed Church Yard
Sundial on Sancreed Church Exterior
Sign for Path to Sancreed Holy Well
Path to Sancreed Holy Well
Sancreed Holy Well
Clouties Hung on Tree Next to Sancreed Well
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