St. Minver, more St. Menefreda's in

Minver, more St. Menefreda's in St. Minver

I had last been in St. Minver to visit St.Menefreda's Church in November 2016. In early July 2019, as I was visiting tiny St. Michael's Church at Porthilly, I decided to take another look at St. Menefreda's Church. I was very glad I did as I had quite forgotten about the fine collection of early carved bench ends there and the handsome pew back made of seven bench ends. However, perhaps the most noteworthy feature of this church is the spire, unusually for Cornwall a broach spire and with a touch of a lean to it, though nothing like the lean and twist of St. Mary and All Saints in Chesterfield in Derbyshire. I hope the photo below gives an idea of how the spire looks, though my close proximity to it meant that the crookedness was somewhat exaggerated. On this visit I was particularly struck by the carved medieval bench ends, by my count 44 of them. One is topped by what may be an eagle of perhaps a mythical bird. Against the west wall is a highly ornamental Norman capital, found in 1927. The letter from King Charles II is remarkably well preserved on its wooden board. There are wall-mounted marble memorials to members of the Sandys family. Another is to John Darrell of Trewornan. Rood stairs are long gone but there remains the rood loft opening but no corresponding stair opening.

Cornish Cross in Churchyard

St. Menefreda's Crooked Spire

Carved Bench End

St. Anietus Church at St.