 St. Piran's Old Church was built as a replacement for St. Pirans Oratory, which disappeared into the sand dunes in the 11th Century. When the oratory was abandoned, another church (now known as St Pirans Old Church) was built nearby on the inland side of the stream. It was thought the stream would protect the church from encroachment by sand. This proved to be the case for several hundred years; and the church, completed by the 12th Century, was enlarged in 1462. However, mining for tin caused the stream to dry up and eventually the church was engulfed by the dunes. The last service was held in 1795 after which the old church was partially dismantled and the materials used to build a new church inland at Perranzabuloe. However, the old church's graveyard was used for burials until 1835 before sand enveloped it. The site of St Piran's Old Church (and the ancient cross next to it) was excavated in 1919.
About St. Piran's Old Church
Wiklipedia: Oratory and St. Piran's Old Church
St. Piran's Trust: St. Piran's Oratory
St. Piran's Trust: St. Piran's Church
St. Piran's Trust: St. Piran
Wikipedia: Saint Piran
Journey to St. Piran's Old Church
St. Piran's Old Church is located on Penhale Sands north of the village of Perranporth in central Cornwall in southwest England.
Ordnance Survey Map (SW7713656535)
Visitors Information
Visitors information for St. Piran's Old Church may be found at the geograph.org.uk
website. General Cornwall tourist information may be found at the Visit Cornwall website.
Additional Photos of St. Piran's Old Church
Start of Path to the Penhale Dunes and St. Piran's Old Church
Map of Penhale Dunes, in Which St. Piran's Cross, Old Church, and Lost Oratory Are Located
Path to Site of St. Piran's Old Church
Descriptive Sign at St. Piran's Old Church
Remains of Tower, St. Piran's Old Church
Remains of Chancel and South Aisle, St. Piran's Old Church
Excavated Church Plans, St. Piran's Old Church
Remains of Column Base at Entrance to Tower, St. Piran's Old Church
Remains of Wall, St. Piran's Old Church
Piscina Excavated in Early 20th Century, St. Piran's Old Church
|
