St. Endellion, St. Endellienta's Church

Endellion, St. Endellienta's Church

In August 2006 I planned a walk from Chapel Amble, almost to the north coast and back, for the express purpose of getting to see Roscarrock, an ancient manor near Port Isaac that had featured as Ross Poldark's home in the first TV Poldark series. By happy coincidence, I called in to St. Endellion church, too, to discover there a Roscarrock chapel and a memorial to the long-departed Roscarrocks. My walk proved not only longer than expected - I lost my way on the return - but included even more interest in some historic stones at Long Cross. As so often with Cornish churches, there is dispute about this church's origins. One authority will tell you that it was founded by St. Endellienta, another by St. Delian and only later dedicated to Endellienta, one of the many holy offspring of Welsh King Brychan. Be that as it may, a summer music festival has brought fame to the church and a renowned string quartet has been named for it. Inside there are some good bench ends (on new pews, well done St. Endellion), a fine slate memorial to the Roscarrocks, a rhyme about bell-ringing (the bells are famous) and, most importantly, what is probably the base of what was once the shrine of St. Endellienta. If you find yourself in need of refreshment, try the excellent nearby Trevathan Farm Shop - they grow superb strawberries and serve good value food.

St. Endellion Church

B3314 from Wadebridge. St. Endellion revisited

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