St. Columb Major

Columb Major

In early August 2016 I had an expedition to the St. Columb area in order to take a look around three churches. My first port of call was Porth Reservoir, something of a disappointment because it lacks scenic quality and, unlike Tamar Lakes and Sibleyback Reservoir, has no facilities. Next I headed for the hamlet of Colan where, despite a notice in the church porch saying it was open, the door was firmly locked and I could find no-one to ask for a key. So I went on next to St. Columb Minor (see below). Success here: the interestingly sited church was open. Finally, St. Columb Major, where the church is very Cornish with its three stage tower, nave and two aisles. Oddly the churchyard is entered by either of two lych gates, only yards apart. In one are a stump of what may have been a Cornish Cross set in an early cross base and a recent WWII memorial bench. Beside the porch is an early Cornish Cross. Inside, note particularly the rood screen complete with rood, the carved chancel roof over a fine reredos, and adjacent in the south aisle chapel a colourful reredos bearing coats of arms. There are some good carved bench ends, and a fine carved pulpit and lectern. The font is unusual; seven-sided with a face on each side. When I was there the porch entrance had been decorated with a garland of flowers for a wedding.

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Church, Lych Gate and War Memorial

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