St. Austell

Austell, Holy Trinity

St. Austell is probably nobody's favourite Cornish town, particularly since the advent of the much maligned White River shopping development in the town centre. However, the centre of the old town has its attractions, particularly the little enclave surrounding Holy Trinity church, an enclave that includes the old market hall and several atractive pubs. The church is especially handsome on the outside so it is a pity that one's view of it is partly obscured by trees. The tower, essentially 15th century and typically Cornish but of the type sometimes known as a 'Somerset' tower, is handsomely pinnacled but its finest feature is the superb carvings that decorate its four faces: the Trinity, four apostles, the Annunciation and the Risen Christ. The porch, too, has elaborate carvings: angels and carved shields. The interior, earlier than the tower, was over-restored (as so often) by Street in 1872, and disappoints though there are handsome wagon roofs. There is a Norman font and a Norman piscina. Sadly there are only a very few original bench ends though what may be the original delicate lace-like rood screen survives under the tower arch. There is an urn monument to Joseph Sawle (see Menacuddle Well) by Isbell; could this be Digory Isbell, stonemason of Trewint, cottage maintained as a museum to John Wesley?

More images of Holy Trinity, St. Austell

The very Cornish tower of Holy Trinity

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