Colan, St. Colanus

I had been in Colan before, back in August 2016, but the church was locked up on that occasion. I took a chance in January 2018 and, perhaps because there had been a christening that morning, the church was open. This is a small church in a fairly remote location and you have to wonder where the congregation comes from. It is also a delightful church; its construction began in 1276 and much of what you see is essentially of around that time. The first things you notice are beside the porch: a crude Cornish Four-hole Cross, brought from a nearby hedge, and two boot-scrapers, not quit a pair. Near the tower is the base of another cross. On the way in note the roof of the porch, a wagon roof with carved bosses. Inside, there is some good stained glass, remains of a rood screen incorporated in the altar, a low-relief slate monument to William Glannel, and several brasses. In the chancel are a couple of good wooden chairs and the font is octagonal and covered with carved panels. The attractive wooden pulpit is nicely carved.

Stained glass in the nave

The porch roof with carved bosses