Mullion, St. Melina's

I visited Mullion towards the end of March 2018 in order to look around St. Melina's church, which stands towards the northern edge of this large village on the western side of the Lizard peninsula. There is a donation car park fairly close by and a pub, the Old Inn, almost opposite. The sturdy tower of the church is striking, built of a mix of granite and serpentine blocks. Otherwise the church consists of porch, nave and two aisles. The porch is worth attention with its Cornish wagon roof, studded door and three stage door surround. Inside are 15th century wagon roofs, an impressive three part rood screen incorporating some of the original screen, complete with rood, an Elizabethan lectern carved with two female figures, a 13th century hexagonal font with simple decoration, and elaborate royal coat of arms of Charles II. There are several monuments, though none of great significance. All this is fine but the reason for visiting St. Melina's is to see one of the best collections of 16th century carved bench ends in Cornwall - and that's saying something. In the churchyard, several crosses include the head of an octagonal section medieval cross. From Mullion I went on to Perranuthnoe, a couple of miles south-east of Marazion.

Carved Lectern

Mullion, St. Melina's Church

Medieval Bench End